Compositions and methods for treating estrogen-related medical disorders

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a compound of formula (I). or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions including the compound of formula (I) and methods of using the compound of formula (I).

STATEMENT OF GOVERNMENT INTEREST

This invention was made with government support under contract number NIH RO1 CA102590 awarded by the National Institutes of Health. The government has certain rights in the invention.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to compounds, compositions, and methods for treating and identifying estrogen-related medical disorders such as cancer, inflammation, osteoporosis, vaginal atrophy, central nervous diseases, and cardiovascular system diseases.

BACKGROUND

In addition to developmental functions, estrogens have been found to reduce incidence of coronary heart disease (1), maintain bone mineral density (2), and in the CNS, promote neuronal survival (3, 4) and hippocampal neurogenesis (5-7). Neuro-imaging studies reveal that estrogen therapy improves cerebral blood flow and performance in hippocampal-dependent memory tasks in humans (8, 9). Other observational studies have found that estrogen helps alleviate age-related cognitive decline by preserving executive function in the frontal lobe (10).

Raloxifene (EVISTA) is a second generation selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) used clinically for the treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, which acts as an antiestrogen in breast and endometrium (17-21). Raloxifene, however, increases the lifetime risk of thromboembolism (23). Raloxifene has been found to enhance levels of vasodilatory NO through action on endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) (24-26), and, the increased thromboembolic events have been attributed to decreased eNOS activity in postmenopausal women (27). NO inhibits thrombus formation through inhibition of platelet recruitment, adhesion and aggregation (28). The next generation SERM, arzoxifene (41, 42), a prodrug of desmethylarzoxifene (DMA) was designed to improve the pharmacokinetic (PK) profile relative to raloxifene, from which it differs by only one atom (43, 44).

SUMMARY

In one aspect, disclosed is a compound of formula (I)

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. A₁ is selected from the group consisting of halogen, trifluoromethyl, and —OR₁. A₂ is selected from the group consisting of halogen, trifluoromethyl, and —OR₂. X₁ is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, —O—, —N(H)—, —S—, —S(═O)—, and —C(═O)—. A₃ is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, heterocycle, and heteroaryl. A₄ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl-heteroaryl wherein the aryl is substituted or unsubstituted (e.g., 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazolyl), and —OR₃. R₁, R₂ and R₃ are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, —SO₃R^(x1), —PO₃R^(y1)R^(z1), —C(═O)R^(a), and —R₄-G₁. R^(x1), R^(y1) and R^(z1), at each occurrence, are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and a pharmaceutically acceptable cation. R^(a) is alkyl or —OH. R₄, at each occurrence, is independently selected from the group consisting of a substituent comprising 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a substituent comprising 1 to 10 carbon atoms and optionally containing at least one nitrogen atom, a substituent comprising 1 to 10 carbon atoms and optionally containing at least one C═O group, and a substituent comprising 1 to 10 carbon atoms and optionally containing at least one nitrogen and/or at least one C═O group. G₁, at each occurrence, is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and —ONO₂, wherein at least one of R₁, R₂ and R₃ is —R₄-G₁, and wherein at least one occurrence of G₁ is —ONO₂.

Also provided herein is a compound of formula (I), wherein R₄, at each occurrence, is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, heterocyclealkyl, and alkylheterocyclealkyl, wherein any carbon atom on the alkyl group, together with an alkylene, may form a cycloalkyl, and wherein alkyl may be unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2, or 3 oxo substituents.

Also provided herein is a compound of formula (I), wherein R₄, at each occurrence, is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkylheterocyclealkyl, and heterocyclealkyl.

Also provided herein is a compound of formula (I), wherein A₄ is selected from the group consisting of halogen and —OR₃.

The compound of formula (I) may comprise a compound of formula (I-i), a compound of formula (I-ii), a compound of formula (I-iii), a compound of formula (I-iv), a compound of formula (I-v), or a compound of formula (I-vi)

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. A₁ is selected from the group consisting of halogen, trifluoromethyl, and —OR₁. A₂ is selected from the group consisting of halogen, trifluoromethyl, and —OR₂. X₁ is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, —O—, —N(H)—, —S—, —S(═O)—, and —C(═O)—. A₃ is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, heterocycle, and heteroaryl. A₄ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl-heteroaryl wherein the aryl is substituted or unsubstituted (e.g., 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazolyl), and —OR₃. R₁, R₂ and R₃ are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, —SO₃R^(x1), —PO₃R^(y1)R^(z1), —C(═O)R^(a), and —R₄-G₁. R^(x1), R^(y1) and R^(z1), at each occurrence, are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and a pharmaceutically acceptable cation. R^(a) is alkyl or —OH. R₄, at each occurrence, is independently selected from the group consisting of a substituent comprising 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a substituent comprising 1 to 10 carbon atoms and optionally containing at least one nitrogen atom, a substituent comprising 1 to 10 carbon atoms and optionally containing at least one C═O group, and a substituent comprising 1 to 10 carbon atoms and optionally containing at least one nitrogen and/or at least one C═O group. G₁, at each occurrence, is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and —ONO₂, wherein at least one of R₁, R₂ and R₃ is —R₄-G₁, and wherein at least one occurrence of G₁ is —ONO₂.

Also provided herein is a compound of formula (I-i), a compound of formula (I-ii), a compound of formula (I-iii), a compound of formula (I-iv), a compound of formula (I-v), or a compound of formula (I-vi), wherein R₄, at each occurrence, is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, heterocyclealkyl, and alkylheterocyclealkyl, wherein any carbon atom on the alkyl group, together with an alkylene, may form a cycloalkyl, and wherein alkyl may be unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2, or 3 oxo substituents.

Also provided herein is a compound of formula (I-i), a compound of formula (I-ii), a compound of formula (I-iii), a compound of formula (I-iv), a compound of formula (I-v), or a compound of formula (I-vi), wherein R₄, at each occurrence, is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkylheterocyclealkyl, and heterocyclealkyl.

The compound of formula (I) may comprise a compound of formula (Ia)

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. A₁ is selected from the group consisting of halogen, trifluoromethyl, and —OR₁. A₂ is selected from the group consisting of halogen, trifluoromethyl, and —OR₂. A₃ is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, heterocycle, and heteroaryl. R₁ and R₂ are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, —SO₃R^(x1), —PO₃R^(y1)R^(z1), —C(═O)R^(a), and —R₄-G₁. R₄, at each occurrence, is independently selected from the group consisting of a substituent comprising 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a substituent comprising 1 to 10 carbon atoms and optionally containing at least one nitrogen atom, a substituent comprising 1 to 10 carbon atoms and optionally containing at least one C═O group, and a substituent comprising 1 to 10 carbon atoms and optionally containing at least one nitrogen and/or at least one C═O group. R₅ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C₁-C₃-alkyl-G₁. G₁, at each occurrence, is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and —ONO₂, wherein at least one of R₁ and R₂ is —R₄-G₁ and/or R₅ is C₁-C₃-alkyl-G₁, and wherein at least one occurrence of G₁ is —ONO₂. R^(x1), R^(y1) and R^(z1) are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and a pharmaceutically acceptable cation. R^(a) is alkyl or —OH.

The compound of formula (I) may comprise a compound of formula (Ia), wherein R₄, at each occurrence, is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, heterocyclealkyl, and alkylheterocyclealkyl, wherein any carbon atom on the alkyl group, together with an alkylene, may form a cycloalkyl, and wherein alkyl may be unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2, or 3 oxo substituents.

The compound of formula (I) may comprise a compound of formula (Ia), wherein R₄, at each occurrence, is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkylheterocyclealkyl, and heterocyclealkyl.

The compound of formula (I) may comprise a compound of formula (Ia), wherein —R₄-G₁ is

The compound of formula (I) may comprise a compound of formula (Ia-i), a compound of formula (Ia-ii), a compound of formula (Ia-iii), a compound of formula (Ia-iv), a compound of formula (Ia-v), or a compound of formula (la-vi)

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. A₁ is selected from the group consisting of halogen, trifluoromethyl, and —OR₁. A₂ is selected from the group consisting of halogen, trifluoromethyl, and —OR₂. A₃ is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, heterocycle, and heteroaryl. R₁ and R₂ are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, —SO₃R^(x1), —PO₃R^(y1)R^(z1), —C(═O)R^(a), and —R₄-G₁. R₄, at each occurrence, is independently selected from the group consisting of a substituent comprising 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a substituent comprising 1 to 10 carbon atoms and optionally containing at least one nitrogen atom, a substituent comprising 1 to 10 carbon atoms and optionally containing at least one C═O group, and a substituent comprising 1 to 10 carbon atoms and optionally containing at least one nitrogen and/or at least one C═O group. R₅ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C₁-C₃-alkyl-G₁. G₁, at each occurrence, is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and —ONO₂, wherein at least one of R₁ and R₂ is —R₄-G₁ and/or R₅ is C₁-C₃-alkyl-G₁, and wherein at least one occurrence of G₁ is —ONO₂. R^(x1), R^(y1) and R^(z1) are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and a pharmaceutically acceptable cation. R^(a) is alkyl.

The compound of formula (I) may comprise a compound of formula (Ia-i), a compound of formula (Ia-ii), a compound of formula (Ia-iii), a compound of formula (Ia-iv), a compound of formula (Ia-v), or a compound of formula (la-vi), wherein R₄, at each occurrence, is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, heterocyclealkyl, and alkylheterocyclealkyl, wherein any carbon atom on the alkyl group, together with an alkylene, may form a cycloalkyl, and wherein alkyl may be unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2, or 3 oxo substituents.

The compound of formula (I) may comprise a compound of formula (Ia-i), a compound of formula (Ia-ii), a compound of formula (Ia-iii), a compound of formula (Ia-iv), a compound of formula (Ia-v), or a compound of formula (la-vi), wherein R₄, at each occurrence, is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkylheterocyclealkyl, and heterocyclealkyl.

The compound of formula (I) may comprise a compound of formula (Ia-i), a compound of formula (Ia-ii), a compound of formula (Ia-iii), a compound of formula (Ia-iv), a compound of formula (Ia-v), or a compound of formula (la-vi), wherein —R₄-G₁ is

The compound of formula (I) may comprise formula (Ib)

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. A₁ is selected from the group consisting of halogen, trifluoromethyl, and —OR₁. A₂ is selected from the group consisting of halogen, trifluoromethyl, and —OR₂. R₁ and R₂ are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, —SO₃R^(x1), —PO₃R^(y1)R^(z1), —C(═O)R^(a), and —R⁴-G₁. R₄, at each occurrence, is independently selected from the group consisting of a substituent comprising 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a substituent comprising 1 to 10 carbon atoms and optionally containing at least one nitrogen atom, a substituent comprising 1 to 10 carbon atoms and optionally containing at least one C═O group, and a substituent comprising 1 to 10 carbon atoms and optionally containing at least one nitrogen and/or at least one C═O group. R₅ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C₁-C₃-alkyl-G₁. G₁, at each occurrence, is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and —ONO₂, wherein at least one of R₁ and R₂ is —R₄-G₁ and/or R₅ is C₁-C₃-alkyl-G₁, and wherein at least one occurrence of G₁ is —ONO₂. R^(x1), R^(y1) and R^(z1) are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and a pharmaceutically acceptable cation. R^(a) is alkyl or —OH.

The compound of formula (I) may comprise a compound of formula (Ib), wherein R₄, at each occurrence, is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, heterocyclealkyl, and alkylheterocyclealkyl, wherein any carbon atom on the alkyl group, together with an alkylene, may form a cycloalkyl, and wherein alkyl may be unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2, or 3 oxo substituents.

The compound of formula (I) may comprise a compound of formula (Ib), wherein R₄, at each occurrence, is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkylheterocyclealkyl, and heterocyclealkyl.

The compound of formula (I) may comprise a compound of formula (Ib), wherein R₄-G₁ is

The compound of formula (I) may comprise a compound of formula (Ib-i), a compound of formula (Ib-ii), a compound of formula (Ib-iii), a compound of formula (Ib-iv), a compound of formula (Ib-v), or a compound of formula (Ib-vi)

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. A₁ is selected from the group consisting of halogen, trifluoromethyl, and —OR₁. A₂ is selected from the group consisting of halogen, trifluoromethyl, and —OR₂. R₁ and R₂ are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, —SO₃R^(x1), —PO₃R^(y1)R^(z1), —C(═O)R^(a), and —R⁴-G₁. R₄, at each occurrence, is independently selected from the group consisting of a substituent comprising 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a substituent comprising 1 to 10 carbon atoms and optionally containing at least one nitrogen atom, a substituent comprising 1 to 10 carbon atoms and optionally containing at least one C═O group, and a substituent comprising 1 to 10 carbon atoms and optionally containing at least one nitrogen and/or at least one C═O group. R₅ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C₁-C₃-alkyl-G₁. G₁, at each occurrence, is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and —ONO₂, wherein at least one of R₁ and R₂ is —R₄-G₁ and/or R₅ is C₁-C₃-alkyl-G₁, and wherein at least one occurrence of G₁ is —ONO₂. R^(x1), R^(y1) and R^(z1) are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and a pharmaceutically acceptable cation. R^(a) is alkyl or —OH.

The compound of formula (I) may comprise a compound of formula (Ib-i), a compound of formula (Ib-ii), a compound of formula (Ib-iii), a compound of formula (Ib-iv), a compound of formula (Ib-v), or a compound of formula (Ib-vi), wherein R₄, at each occurrence, is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, heterocyclealkyl, and alkylheterocyclealkyl, wherein any carbon atom on the alkyl group, together with an alkylene, may form a cycloalkyl, and wherein alkyl may be unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2, or 3 oxo substituents.

The compound of formula (I) may a compound of formula (Ib-i), a compound of formula (Ib-ii), a compound of formula (Ib-iii), a compound of formula (Ib-iv), a compound of formula (Ib-v), or a compound of formula (Ib-vi), wherein R₄, at each occurrence, is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkylheterocyclealkyl, and heterocyclealkyl.

The compound of formula (I) may comprise a compound of formula (Ib-i), a compound of formula (Ib-ii), a compound of formula (Ib-iii), a compound of formula (Ib-iv), a compound of formula (Ib-v), or a compound of formula (Ib-vi), wherein R₄-G₁ is

The compound of formula (I) may comprise formula (Ic)

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. A₁ is selected from the group consisting of halogen, trifluoromethyl, and —OR₁. A₂ is selected from the group consisting of halogen, trifluoromethyl, and —OR₂. A₃ is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, heterocycle, and heteroaryl. A₄ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl-heteroaryl wherein the aryl is substituted or unsubstituted (e.g., 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazolyl), and —OR₃. R₁, R₂ and R₃ are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, —SO₃R^(x1), —PO₃R^(y1)R^(z1), —C(═O)R^(a), and —R₄-G₁. R^(x1), R^(y1) and R^(z1), at each occurrence, are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and a pharmaceutically acceptable cation. R^(a) is alkyl or —OH. R₄, at each occurrence, is independently selected from the group consisting of a substituent comprising 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a substituent comprising 1 to 10 carbon atoms and optionally containing at least one nitrogen atom, a substituent comprising 1 to 10 carbon atoms and optionally containing at least one C═O group, and a substituent comprising 1 to 10 carbon atoms and optionally containing at least one nitrogen and/or at least one C═O group. G₁, at each occurrence, is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and —ONO₂, wherein at least one of R₁, R₂ and R₃ is —R₄-G₁, and wherein at least one occurrence of G₁ is —ONO₂.

The compound of formula (I) may comprise a compound of formula (Ic), wherein R₄, at each occurrence, is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, heterocyclealkyl, and alkylheterocyclealkyl, wherein any carbon atom on the alkyl group, together with an alkylene, may form a cycloalkyl, and wherein alkyl may be unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2, or 3 oxo substituents.

The compound of formula (I) may comprise a compound of formula (Ic), wherein R₄, at each occurrence, is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkylheterocyclealkyl, and heterocyclealkyl.

The compound of formula (I) may comprise a compound of formula (Ic), wherein R₄-G₁ is

The compound of formula (I) may comprise a compound of formula (Ic-i), a compound of formula (Ic-ii), a compound of formula (Ic-iii), a compound of formula (Ic-iv), a compound of formula (Ic-v), or a compound of formula (Ic-vi)

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. A₁ is selected from the group consisting of halogen, trifluoromethyl, and —OR₁. A₂ is selected from the group consisting of halogen, trifluoromethyl, and —OR₂. A₃ is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, heterocycle, and heteroaryl. A₄ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl-heteroaryl wherein the aryl is substituted or unsubstituted (e.g., 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazolyl), and —OR₃. R₁, R₂ and R₃ are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, —SO₃R^(x1), —PO₃R^(y1)R^(z1), —C(═O)R^(a), and —R₄-G₁. R^(x1), R^(y1) and R^(z1), at each occurrence, are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and a pharmaceutically acceptable cation. R^(a) is alkyl or —OH. R₄, at each occurrence, is independently selected from the group consisting of a substituent comprising 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a substituent comprising 1 to 10 carbon atoms and optionally containing at least one nitrogen atom, a substituent comprising 1 to 10 carbon atoms and optionally containing at least one C═O group, and a substituent comprising 1 to 10 carbon atoms and optionally containing at least one nitrogen and/or at least one C═O group. G₁, at each occurrence, is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and —ONO₂, wherein at least one of R₁, R₂ and R₃ is —R₄-G₁, and wherein at least one occurrence of G₁ is —ONO₂.

The compound of formula (I) may comprise a compound of formula (Ic-i), a compound of formula (Ic-ii), a compound of formula (Ic-iii), a compound of formula (Ic-iv), a compound of formula (Ic-v), or a compound of formula (Ic-vi), wherein R₄, at each occurrence, is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, heterocyclealkyl, and alkylheterocyclealkyl, wherein any carbon atom on the alkyl group, together with an alkylene, may form a cycloalkyl, and wherein alkyl may be unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2, or 3 oxo substituents.

The compound of formula (I) may comprise a compound of formula (Ic-i), a compound of formula (Ic-ii), a compound of formula (Ic-iii), a compound of formula (Ic-iv), a compound of formula (Ic-v), or a compound of formula (Ic-vi), wherein R₄, at each occurrence, is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkylheterocyclealkyl, and heterocyclealkyl.

The compound of formula (I) may comprise a compound of formula (Ic-i), a compound of formula (Ic-ii), a compound of formula (Ic-iii), a compound of formula (Ic-iv), a compound of formula (Ic-v), or a compound of formula (Ic-vi), wherein R₄-G₁ is

The compound of formula (I) may be selected from the group consisting of:

-   3-(1-(2-(4-((6-hydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)benzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)oxy)phenoxy)ethyl)piperidin-4-yl)propyl     nitrate; -   4-(6-hydroxy-3-(4-(2-(piperidin-1-yl)ethoxy)phenoxy)benzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)phenyl     1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; -   2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(4-(2-(piperidin-1-yl)ethoxy)phenoxy)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl     1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; -   3-(1-(2-(4-((6-hydroxy-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)benzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)oxy)phenoxy)ethyl)piperidin-4-yl)propyl     nitrate; -   4-(6-hydroxy-2-(4-(2-(piperidin-1-yl)ethoxy)phenoxy)benzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)phenyl     1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; -   3-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-(2-(piperidin-1-yl)ethoxy)phenoxy)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl     1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; -   2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(4-(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl     1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; -   (1-(((2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(4-(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl     nitrate; -   3-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl     1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; -   (1-(((3-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl     nitrate; -   3-(cyclopropanecarbonyl)-2-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl     1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; -   (1-(((3-(cyclopropanecarbonyl)-2-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl     nitrate; -   2-(cyclopropanecarbonyl)-3-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl     1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; -   (1-(((2-(cyclopropanecarbonyl)-3-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl     nitrate; -   2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-isonicotinoylbenzo[b]thiophen-6-yl     1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; -   (1-(((2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-isonicotinoylbenzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl     nitrate; -   3-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-isonicotinoylbenzo[b]thiophen-6-yl     1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; -   (1-(((3-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-isonicotinoylbenzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl     nitrate; -   2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-isobutyrylbenzo[b]thiophen-6-yl     1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; -   (1-(((2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-isobutyrylbenzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl     nitrate; -   3-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-isobutyrylbenzo[b]thiophen-6-yl     1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; -   (1-(((3-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-isobutyrylbenzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl     nitrate; -   3-(4-ethynylbenzoyl)-2-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl     1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; -   (1-(((3-(4-ethynylbenzoyl)-2-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl     nitrate; -   2-(4-ethynylbenzoyl)-3-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl     1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; -   (1-(((2-(4-ethynylbenzoyl)-3-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl     nitrate; -   2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(4-methylbenzoyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl     1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; -   (1-(((2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(4-methylbenzoyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl     nitrate; -   3-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-methylbenzoyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl     1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; -   (1-(((3-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-methylbenzoyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl     nitrate; -   2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(4-(1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)benzoyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl     1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; -   (1-(((2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(4-(1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)benzoyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl     nitrate; -   3-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-(1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)benzoyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl     1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; -   (1-(((3-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-(1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)benzoyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl     nitrate; -   3-((3r,5r,7r)-adamantane-1-carbonyl)-2-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl     1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; -   (1-(((3-((3r,5r,7r)-adamantane-1-carbonyl)-2-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl     nitrate; -   2-((3r,5r,7r)-adamantane-1-carbonyl)-3-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl     1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; and -   (1-(((2-((3r,5r,7r)-adamantane-1-carbonyl)-3-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl     nitrate;

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In another aspect, disclosed is a compound of formula (II),

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. A₁ is selected from the group consisting of halogen, trifluoromethyl, and —OR₁. A₂ is selected from the group consisting of halogen, trifluoromethyl, and —OR₂. A₃ is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, heterocycle, and heteroaryl. A₄ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl-heteroaryl wherein the aryl is substituted or unsubstituted (e.g., 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazolyl), and —OR₃. R₁, R₂ and R₃ are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, —SO₃R^(x1), —PO₃R^(y1)R^(z1) and —C(═O)R^(a). R^(x1), R^(y1) and R^(z1), at each occurrence, are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and a pharmaceutically acceptable cation. R^(a) is alkyl or —OH.

Also provided are compounds of formula (II), wherein A₁ is fluoro. A₁ may be fluoro located in the 4-position of the phenyl ring to which it is attached. Also provided are compounds of formula (II), wherein A₂ is —OH.

The compound of formula (II) may comprise a compound of formula (II-i), a compound of formula (II-ii), a compound of formula (II-iii), a compound of formula (II-iv), a compound of formula (II-v), or a compound of formula (II-vi)

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. A₁ is selected from the group consisting of halogen, trifluoromethyl, and —OR₁. A₂ is selected from the group consisting of halogen, trifluoromethyl, and —OR₂. A₃ is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, heterocycle, and heteroaryl. A₄ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl-heteroaryl wherein the aryl is substituted or unsubstituted (e.g., 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazolyl), and —OR₃. R₁, R₂ and R₃ are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, —SO₃R^(x1), —PO₃R^(y1)R^(z1), and —C(═O)R^(a). R^(x1), R^(y1) and R^(z1), at each occurrence, are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and a pharmaceutically acceptable cation. R^(a) is alkyl or —OH.

Also provided herein is a compound of formula (II-i), a compound of formula (II-ii), a compound of formula (II-iii), a compound of formula (II-iv), a compound of formula (II-v), or a compound of formula (II-vi), wherein A₁ is fluoro. A₁ may be fluoro located in the 4-position of the phenyl ring to which it is attached. Also provided herein is a compound of formula (II-i), a compound of formula (II-ii), a compound of formula (II-iii), a compound of formula (II-iv), a compound of formula (II-v), or a compound of formula (II-vi), wherein A₂ is —OH.

The compound of formula (II) may be selected from the group consisting of:

-   (2-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)methanone; -   (3-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)methanone; -   cyclopropyl(2-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)methanone; -   cyclopropyl(3-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)methanone; -   (2-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)(pyridin-4-yl)methanone; -   (3-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)(pyridin-4-yl)methanone; -   1-(2-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)-2-methylpropan-1-one; -   1-(3-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)-2-methylpropan-1-one; -   (4-ethynylphenyl)(2-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)methanone; -   (4-ethynylphenyl)(3-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)methanone; -   (2-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)(p-tolyl)methanone; -   (3-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)(p-tolyl)methanone; -   (4-(1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)phenyl)(2-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)methanone; -   (4-(1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)phenyl)(3-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)methanone; -   (3r,5r,7r)-adamantan-1-yl(2-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)methanone;     and -   (3r,5r,7r)-adamantan-1-yl(3-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)methanone;

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In another aspect, disclosed is a method for treatment of an estrogen-related medical disorder. The method may comprise administering to a subject in need of such treatment a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of at least one compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The method may comprise administering to a subject in need of such treatment a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of at least one compound of formula (II) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

The estrogen-related medical disorder may be selected from the group consisting of: cancer, inflammation, osteoporosis, vaginal atrophy, central nervous system diseases, and cardiovascular system diseases. The central nervous system disease may be selected from the group consisting of Alzheimer's Disease and mild cognitive impairment. The cardiovascular disease may be thrombosis. The cancer may be selected from the group consisting of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, and lung cancer. The breast cancer may be a tamoxifen resistant breast cancer or a triple negative breast cancer.

The at least one compound of formula (I) may be selected from the group consisting of: 3-(1-(2-(4-((6-hydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)benzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)oxy)phenoxy)ethyl)piperidin-4-yl)propyl nitrate; 4-(6-hydroxy-3-(4-(2-(piperidin-1-yl)ethoxy)phenoxy)benzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)phenyl 1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; 2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(4-(2-(piperidin-1-yl)ethoxy)phenoxy)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl 1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; 3-(1-(2-(4-((6-hydroxy-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)benzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)oxy)phenoxy)ethyl)piperidin-4-yl)propyl nitrate; 4-(6-hydroxy-2-(4-(2-(piperidin-1-yl)ethoxy)phenoxy)benzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)phenyl 1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; 3-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-(2-(piperidin-1-yl)ethoxy)phenoxy)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl 1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; 2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(4-(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl 1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; (1-(((2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(4-(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl nitrate; 3-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl 1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; (1-(((3-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl nitrate; 3-(cyclopropanecarbonyl)-2-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl 1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; (1-(((3-(cyclopropanecarbonyl)-2-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl nitrate; 2-(cyclopropanecarbonyl)-3-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl 1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; (1-(((2-(cyclopropanecarbonyl)-3-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl nitrate; 2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-isonicotinoylbenzo[b]thiophen-6-yl 1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; (1-(((2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-isonicotinoylbenzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl nitrate; 3-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-isonicotinoylbenzo[b]thiophen-6-yl 1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; (1-(((3-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-isonicotinoylbenzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl nitrate; 2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-isobutyrylbenzo[b]thiophen-6-yl 1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; (1-(((2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-isobutyrylbenzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl nitrate; 3-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-isobutyrylbenzo[b]thiophen-6-yl 1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; (1-(((3-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-isobutyrylbenzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl nitrate; 3-(4-ethynylbenzoyl)-2-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl 1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; (1-(((3-(4-ethynylbenzoyl)-2-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl nitrate; 2-(4-ethynylbenzoyl)-3-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl 1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; (1-(((2-(4-ethynylbenzoyl)-3-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl nitrate; 2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(4-methylbenzoyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl 1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; (1-(((2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(4-methylbenzoyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl nitrate; 3-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-methylbenzoyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl 1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; (1-(((3-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-methylbenzoyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl nitrate; 2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(4-(1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)benzoyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl 1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; (1-(((2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(4-(1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)benzoyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl nitrate; 3-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-(1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)benzoyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl 1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; (1-(((3-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-(1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)benzoyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl nitrate; 3-((3r,5r,7r)-adamantane-1-carbonyl)-2-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl 1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; (1-(((3-((3r,5r,7r)-adamantane-1-carbonyl)-2-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl nitrate; 2-((3r,5r,7r)-adamantane-1-carbonyl)-3-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl 1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; (1-(((2-((3r,5r,7r)-adamantane-1-carbonyl)-3-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl nitrate; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

The at least one compound of formula (II) may be selected from the group consisting of: (2-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)methanone; (3-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)methanone; cyclopropyl(2-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)methanone; cyclopropyl(3-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)methanone; (2-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)(pyridin-4-yl)methanone; (3-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)(pyridin-4-yl)methanone; 1-(2-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)-2-methylpropan-1-one; 1-(3-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)-2-methylpropan-1-one; (4-ethynylphenyl)(2-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)methanone; (4-ethynylphenyl)(3-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)methanone; (2-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)(p-tolyl)methanone; (3-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)(p-tolyl)methanone; (4-(1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)phenyl)(2-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)methanone; (4-(1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)phenyl)(3-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)methanone; (3r,5r,7r)-adamantan-1-yl(2-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)methanone; (3r,5r,7r)-adamantan-1-yl(3-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)methanone; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

In another aspect, disclosed is a method of identifying a cancer in a subject. The method may comprise obtaining a test sample from the subject having cancer, and determining an amount of protein kinase C alpha (PKCα) in the test sample. If the amount of PKCα in the test sample is greater than an amount of PKCα in a test sample from a subject not having cancer, then the cancer may be sensitive to at least one compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or at least one compound of formula (II) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

The at least one compound of formula (I) may be selected from the group consisting of: 3-(1-(2-(4-((6-hydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)benzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)oxy)phenoxy)ethyl)piperidin-4-yl)propyl nitrate; 4-(6-hydroxy-3-(4-(2-(piperidin-1-yl)ethoxy)phenoxy)benzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)phenyl 1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; 2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(4-(2-(piperidin-1-yl)ethoxy)phenoxy)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl 1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; 3-(1-(2-(4-((6-hydroxy-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)benzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)oxy)phenoxy)ethyl)piperidin-4-yl)propyl nitrate; 4-(6-hydroxy-2-(4-(2-(piperidin-1-yl)ethoxy)phenoxy)benzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)phenyl 1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; 3-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-(2-(piperidin-1-yl)ethoxy)phenoxy)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl 1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; 2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(4-(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl 1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; (1-(((2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(4-(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl nitrate; 3-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl 1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; (1-(((3-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl nitrate; 3-(cyclopropanecarbonyl)-2-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl 1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; (1-(((3-(cyclopropanecarbonyl)-2-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl nitrate; 2-(cyclopropanecarbonyl)-3-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl 1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; (1-(((2-(cyclopropanecarbonyl)-3-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl nitrate; 2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-isonicotinoylbenzo[b]thiophen-6-yl 1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; (1-(((2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-isonicotinoylbenzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl nitrate; 3-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-isonicotinoylbenzo[b]thiophen-6-yl 1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; (1-(((3-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-isonicotinoylbenzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl nitrate; 2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-isobutyrylbenzo[b]thiophen-6-yl 1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; (1-(((2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-isobutyrylbenzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl nitrate; 3-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-isobutyrylbenzo[b]thiophen-6-yl 1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; (1-(((3-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-isobutyrylbenzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl nitrate; 3-(4-ethynylbenzoyl)-2-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl 1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; (1-(((3-(4-ethynylbenzoyl)-2-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl nitrate; 2-(4-ethynylbenzoyl)-3-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl 1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; (1-(((2-(4-ethynylbenzoyl)-3-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl nitrate; 2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(4-methylbenzoyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl 1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; (1-(((2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(4-methylbenzoyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl nitrate; 3-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-methylbenzoyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl 1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; (1-(((3-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-methylbenzoyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl nitrate; 2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(4-(1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)benzoyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl 1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; (1-(((2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(4-(1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)benzoyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl nitrate; 3-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-(1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)benzoyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl 1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; (1-(((3-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-(1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)benzoyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl nitrate; 3-((3r,5r,7r)-adamantane-1-carbonyl)-2-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl 1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; (1-(((3-((3r,5r,7r)-adamantane-1-carbonyl)-2-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl nitrate; 2-((3r,5r,7r)-adamantane-1-carbonyl)-3-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl 1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; (1-(((2-((3r,5r,7r)-adamantane-1-carbonyl)-3-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl nitrate; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

The at least one compound of formula (II) may be selected from the group consisting of: (2-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)methanone; (3-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)methanone; cyclopropyl(2-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)methanone; cyclopropyl(3-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)methanone; (2-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)(pyridin-4-yl)methanone; (3-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)(pyridin-4-yl)methanone; 1-(2-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)-2-methylpropan-1-one; 1-(3-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)-2-methylpropan-1-one; (4-ethynylphenyl)(2-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)methanone; (4-ethynylphenyl)(3-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)methanone; (2-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)(p-tolyl)methanone; (3-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)(p-tolyl)methanone; (4-(1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)phenyl)(2-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)methanone; (4-(1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)phenyl)(3-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)methanone; (3r,5r,7r)-adamantan-1-yl(2-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)methanone; (3r,5r,7r)-adamantan-1 l-yl(3-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)methanone; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows SERM-elicited neuroprotection in primary cortical neurons exposed to OGD is GPR30 dependent. Primary neuronal cultures were subjected to 2 h OGD with compounds added at the start of OGD and inhibitors added 45 min prior to OGD. Cell survival was measured at 24 h. Use of pathway-selective inhibitors indicates that neuroprotection of DMA and NO-DMA is mediated through PI3K-dependent GPR30 signaling in an ER- and NOS-independent manner. Data show mean and S.E.M. normalized to veh. control and E2 (n=6); **=p<0.01, ***=p<0.001 compared to veh. control using one-way ANOVA with Dunnett's post hoc test.

FIG. 2 shows reversal of LTP deficit in aged 3×Tg mice by SERMs is GPR30 dependent. LTP was measured after TBS in the CA1 region of hippocampal sections from 16 month male 3×Tg mice or WT controls. Test compounds (SERMs 100 nM; G15 100 nM) were added 30 min prior to TBS. (A, B) DMA and NO-DMA restored deficits in LTP to WT levels and G15 blocked the actions of DMA. (C) Secondary analysis of theta bursts indicate action both during induction and stabilization of LTP, through a GPR30 dependent mechanism. Data show mean and S.E.M. normalized to baseline (n=4-9); *=p<0.05, **=p<0.01 compared to transgenic veh. control using one-way ANOVA with Dunnett's post hoc test.

FIG. 3 shows relaxation of isolated aortic rings induced by SERMs and NO-SERM. (A) The EC₅₀ values for relaxation were not significantly different (p>0.05, one-way ANOVA and Newman-Keuls post-hoc test). The maximal relaxation responses for arzoxifene and FDMA were significantly less than those for DMA and raloxifene (p<0.05, one-way ANOVA and Newman-Keuls post-hoc test). Each value represents the mean±S.E.M. (n=7-13). (B) Removal of the endothelium or inhibition of NOS with L-NAME reduced the maximal relaxation response to DMA (p<0.01, one-way ANOVA and Newman-Keuls post-hoc test). Each value represents the mean±S.E.M. (n=7). (C) The EC₅₀ values for relaxation were significantly increased in the presence of L-NAME or after endothelium removal (p<0.05, one-way ANOVA and Newman-Keuls post-hoc test). Each value represents the mean±S.E.M. (n=7).

FIG. 4 shows effects of SERM and NO-SERMon NO levels in plasma and CNS of WT and eNOS (−/−) mice. Levels of NO were assessed by measuring breakdown products 1 h after i.p. injection of SERMs (2 mg/kg) using chemiluminescence detection. Both DMA and NO-DMA increased levels of NO in WT mice. The diminished response in eNOS (−/−) was significantly attenuated in DMA relative to NO-DMA treated animals. Data show mean and S.E.M. (n=4-12); *=p<0.05, **=p<0.01, ***=p<0.001 using one-way ANOVA with Bonferroni's post hoc test.

FIG. 5 shows reversal of memory deficit in STPA in WT and eNOS (−/−) mice. Amnestic memory deficit was induced by i.p. injection of either scopolamine (1 mg/kg) or L-NAME (50 mg/kg) 30 min prior to training in C57Bl/6 male mice. SERMs (2 mg/kg) were given 20 min prior to training and latency was assessed 24 h after training with animals being removed from the task if latency >300 s. All SERMs, except F-DMA, restored scopolamine-induced deficits in STPA in WT animals. Against L-NAME-induced deficit, only NO-DMA showed efficacy in reversing memory deficits. In eNOS (−/−) animals subject to scopolamine-induced amnesia, only NO-DMA showed efficacy. Data show mean and S.E.M. (n=4-10); **=p<0.01, ***=p<0.001 compared to veh. control using one-way ANOVA with Dunnett's post hoc test.

FIG. 6 shows effect of SERMs and NO-SERM on intrinsic (PTT) and extrinsic (aPTT) clotting cascades. Blood was collected by cardiac puncture and PTT and aPTT were determined 1 or 3 h after i.p. drug administration (2 mg/kg). The anticoagulant activity of DMA was shorter lived than that of NO-DMA and did not persist in the presence of NOS blockade. Data show mean and S.E.M. (n=2-8); *=p<0.05, **=p<0.01, ***=p<0.001 using one-way ANOVA with Bonferroni's post hoc test.

FIG. 7 shows G15 has no effect on LTP in C57Bl/6 mice. LTP was measured after TBS in the CA1 region of hippocampal sections from 8 month old male C57Bl/6 mice. G15 (100 nM) was added 30 min prior to TBS and continued throughout. G15 had no effect on LTP, which reached levels equal to WT background in FIG. 2 for both controls and G15. Data show mean and S.E.M normalized to baseline (n=5-6).

FIG. 8 shows SERM bioavailability in plasma and CNS of WT and eNOS (−/−) mice. Bioavailability was assessed using LC/MS-MS after liquid extraction with internal standard after i.p. injection of 5 mg/kg DMA. DMA shows substantial bioavailability with preferential retention in the hippocampus up to 2 h after administration. Data show mean and S.E.M. (n=4).

FIG. 9 shows ODQ blocks effect of DMA on LTP in 3×Tg mice. LTP was measured in the CA1 region of hippocampal sections from 16 month male 3×Tg mice using the method detailed in manuscript, with the exception of a variable interburst interval during TBS. ODQ (10 nM) was added 30 min prior to TBS and continued throughout. Data show mean and S.E.M. normalized to baseline (n=9-10).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In one aspect, the present invention relates to a compound of formula (I)

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. A₁ is selected from the group consisting of halogen, trifluoromethyl, and —OR₁. A₂ is selected from the group consisting of halogen, trifluoromethyl, and —OR₂. X₁ is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, —O—, —N(H)—, —S—, —S(═O)—, and —C(═O)—. A₃ is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, heterocycle, and heteroaryl. A₄ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl-heteroaryl wherein the aryl is substituted or unsubstituted (e.g., 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazolyl), and —OR₃. R₁, R₂ and R₃ are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, —SO₃R^(x1), —PO₃R^(y1)R^(z1), —C(═O)R^(a), and —R₄-G₁. R^(x1), R^(y1) and R^(z1), at each occurrence, are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and a pharmaceutically acceptable cation. R^(a) is alkyl or —OH. R₄, at each occurrence, is independently selected from the group consisting of a substituent comprising 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a substituent comprising 1 to 10 carbon atoms and optionally containing at least one nitrogen atom, a substituent comprising 1 to 10 carbon atoms and optionally containing at least one C═O group, and a substituent comprising 1 to 10 carbon atoms and optionally containing at least one nitrogen and/or at least one C═O group. G₁, at each occurrence, is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and —ONO₂, wherein at least one of R₁, R₂ and R₃ is —R₄-G₁, and wherein at least one occurrence of G₁ is —ONO₂.

The present invention may also relate to a compound of formula (I), wherein R₄, at each occurrence, is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, heterocyclealkyl, and alkylheterocyclealkyl, wherein any carbon atom on the alkyl group, together with an alkylene, may form a cycloalkyl, and wherein alkyl may be unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2, or 3 oxo substituents.

The present invention may also relate to a compound of formula (I), wherein R₄, at each occurrence, is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkylheterocyclealkyl, and heterocyclealkyl.

The compound of formula (I) may comprise a compound of formula (Ia)

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. A₁ is selected from the group consisting of halogen, trifluoromethyl, and —OR₁. A₂ is selected from the group consisting of halogen, trifluoromethyl, and —OR₂. A₃ is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, heterocycle, and heteroaryl. R₁ and R₂ are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, —SO₃R^(x1), —PO₃R^(y1)R^(z1), —C(═O)R^(a), and —R₄-G₁. R₄, at each occurrence, is independently selected from the group consisting of a substituent comprising 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a substituent comprising 1 to 10 carbon atoms and optionally containing at least one nitrogen atom, a substituent comprising 1 to 10 carbon atoms and optionally containing at least one C═O group, and a substituent comprising 1 to 10 carbon atoms and optionally containing at least one nitrogen and/or at least one C═O group. R₅ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C₁-C₃-alkyl-G₁. G₁, at each occurrence, is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and —ONO₂, wherein at least one of R₁ and R₂ is —R₄-G₁ and/or R₅ is C₁-C₃-alkyl-G₁, and wherein at least one occurrence of G₁ is —ONO₂. R^(x1), R^(y1) and R^(z1) are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and a pharmaceutically acceptable cation. R^(a) is alkyl or —OH.

The compound of formula (I) may comprise a compound of formula (Ia), wherein R₄, at each occurrence, is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, heterocyclealkyl, and alkylheterocyclealkyl, wherein any carbon atom on the alkyl group, together with an alkylene, may form a cycloalkyl, and wherein alkyl may be unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2, or 3 oxo substituents.

The compound of formula (I) may comprise a compound of formula (Ia), wherein R₄, at each occurrence, is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkylheterocyclealkyl, and heterocyclealkyl.

The compound of formula (I) may comprise a compound of formula (Ia), wherein R₄-G₁ is

The compound of formula (I) may comprise a compound of formula (Ib)

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. A₁ is selected from the group consisting of halogen, trifluoromethyl, and —OR₁. A₂ is selected from the group consisting of halogen, trifluoromethyl, and —OR₂. R₁ and R₂ are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, —SO₃R^(x1), —PO₃R^(y1)R^(z1), —C(═O)R^(a), and —R⁴-G₁. R₄, at each occurrence, is independently selected from the group consisting of a substituent comprising 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a substituent comprising 1 to 10 carbon atoms and optionally containing at least one nitrogen atom, a substituent comprising 1 to 10 carbon atoms and optionally containing at least one C═O group, and a substituent comprising 1 to 10 carbon atoms and optionally containing at least one nitrogen and/or at least one C═O group. R₅ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C₁-C₃-alkyl-G₁. G₁, at each occurrence, is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and —ONO₂, wherein at least one of R₁ and R₂ is —R₄-G₁ and/or R₅ is C₁-C₃-alkyl-G₁, and wherein at least one occurrence of G₁ is —ONO₂. R^(x1), R^(y1) and R^(z1) are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and a pharmaceutically acceptable cation. R^(a) is alkyl or —OH.

The compound of formula (I) may comprise a compound of formula (Ib), wherein R₄, at each occurrence, is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, heterocyclealkyl, and alkylheterocyclealkyl, wherein any carbon atom on the alkyl group, together with an alkylene, may form a cycloalkyl, and wherein alkyl may be unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2, or 3 oxo substituents.

The compound of formula (I) may comprise a compound of formula (Ib), wherein R₄, at each occurrence, is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkylheterocyclealkyl, and heterocyclealkyl.

The compound of formula (I) may comprise a compound of formula (Ib), wherein R₄-G₁ is

The compound of formula (I) may comprise a compound of formula (Ic)

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. A₁ is selected from the group consisting of halogen, trifluoromethyl, and —OR₁. A₂ is selected from the group consisting of halogen, trifluoromethyl, and —OR₂. A₃ is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, heterocycle, and heteroaryl. A₄ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl-heteroaryl wherein the aryl is substituted or unsubstituted (e.g., 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazolyl), and —OR₃. R₁, R₂ and R₃ are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, —SO₃R^(x1), —PO₃R^(y1)R^(z1), —C(═O)R^(a), and —R₄-G₁. R^(x1), R^(y1) and R^(z1), at each occurrence, are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and a pharmaceutically acceptable cation. R^(a) is alkyl or —OH. R₄, at each occurrence, is independently selected from the group consisting of a substituent comprising 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a substituent comprising 1 to 10 carbon atoms and optionally containing at least one nitrogen atom, a substituent comprising 1 to 10 carbon atoms and optionally containing at least one C═O group, and a substituent comprising 1 to 10 carbon atoms and optionally containing at least one nitrogen and/or at least one C═O group. G₁, at each occurrence, is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and —ONO₂, wherein at least one of R₁, R₂ and R₃ is —R₄-G₁, and wherein at least one occurrence of G₁ is —ONO₂.

The compound of formula (I) may comprise a compound of formula (Ic), wherein R₄, at each occurrence, is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, heterocyclealkyl, and alkylheterocyclealkyl, wherein any carbon atom on the alkyl group, together with an alkylene, may form a cycloalkyl, and wherein alkyl may be unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2, or 3 oxo substituents.

The compound of formula (I) may comprise a compound of formula (Ic), wherein R₄, at each occurrence, is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkylheterocyclealkyl, and heterocyclealkyl.

The compound of formula (I) may comprise a compound of formula (Ic), wherein R₄-G₁ is

Representative examples of compounds of formula (I), formula (Ia), formula (Ib), and formula (Ic) may include, but are not limited to:

-   3-(1-(2-(4-((6-hydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)benzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)oxy)phenoxy)ethyl)piperidin-4-yl)propyl     nitrate; -   4-(6-hydroxy-3-(4-(2-(piperidin-1-yl)ethoxy)phenoxy)benzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)phenyl     1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; -   2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(4-(2-(piperidin-1-yl)ethoxy)phenoxy)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl     1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; -   3-(1-(2-(4-((6-hydroxy-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)benzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)oxy)phenoxy)ethyl)piperidin-4-yl)propyl     nitrate; -   4-(6-hydroxy-2-(4-(2-(piperidin-1-yl)ethoxy)phenoxy)benzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)phenyl     1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; -   3-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-(2-(piperidin-1-yl)ethoxy)phenoxy)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl     1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; -   2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(4-(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl     1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; -   (1-(((2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(4-(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl     nitrate; -   3-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl     1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; -   (1-(((3-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl     nitrate; -   3-(cyclopropanecarbonyl)-2-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl     1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; -   (1-(((3-(cyclopropanecarbonyl)-2-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl     nitrate; -   2-(cyclopropanecarbonyl)-3-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl     1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; -   (1-(((2-(cyclopropanecarbonyl)-3-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl     nitrate; -   2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-isonicotinoylbenzo[b]thiophen-6-yl     1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; -   (1-(((2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-isonicotinoylbenzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl     nitrate; -   3-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-isonicotinoylbenzo[b]thiophen-6-yl     1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; -   (1-(((3-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-isonicotinoylbenzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl     nitrate; -   2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-isobutyrylbenzo[b]thiophen-6-yl     1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; -   (1-(((2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-isobutyrylbenzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl     nitrate; -   3-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-isobutyrylbenzo[b]thiophen-6-yl     1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; -   (1-(((3-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-isobutyrylbenzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl     nitrate; -   3-(4-ethynylbenzoyl)-2-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl     1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; -   (1-(((3-(4-ethynylbenzoyl)-2-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl     nitrate; -   2-(4-ethynylbenzoyl)-3-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl     1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; -   (1-(((2-(4-ethynylbenzoyl)-3-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl     nitrate; -   2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(4-methylbenzoyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl     1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; -   (1-(((2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(4-methylbenzoyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl     nitrate; -   3-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-methylbenzoyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl     1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; -   (1-(((3-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-methylbenzoyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl     nitrate; -   2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(4-(1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)benzoyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl     1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; -   (1-(((2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(4-(1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)benzoyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl     nitrate; -   3-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-(1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)benzoyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl     1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; -   (1-(((3-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-(1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)benzoyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl     nitrate; -   3-((3r,5r,7r)-adamantane-1-carbonyl)-2-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl     1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; -   (1-(((3-((3r,5r,7r)-adamantane-1-carbonyl)-2-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl     nitrate; -   2-((3r,5r,7r)-adamantane-1-carbonyl)-3-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl     1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; -   (1-(((2-((3r,5r,7r)-adamantane-1-carbonyl)-3-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl     nitrate;

or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

The compounds of formula (I), formula (Ia), formula (Ib), and/or formula (Ic) may be a nitric oxide (NO) donating selective estrogen receptor modulator (NO-SERM). The compounds of formula (I), formula (Ia), formula (Ib), and/or formula (Ic) may prevent or reduce the risk of thrombosis through the anticoagulant intrinsic and/or extrinsic pathways. The compounds of formula (I), formula (Ia), formula (Ib), and/or formula (Ic) may prevent or reduce the risk of thrombosis even when eNOS is inhibited or inactive. The compounds of formula (I), formula (Ia), formula (Ib), and/or formula (Ic) may be procognitive and neuroprotective even in the presence of NOS dysfunction.

The present invention also relates to methods of treatment of estrogen-related medical disorders. The methods of treatment may include administering to a subject in need of such treatment a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of at least one compound of formula (I), formula (Ia), formula (Ib), formula (Ic), and/or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

An estrogen-related medical disorder may be selected from the group consisting of cancer, inflammation, osteoporosis, vaginal atrophy, central nervous system diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's Disease and mild cognitive impairment), and cardiovascular system diseases (e.g., thrombosis). The cancer may be selected from the group consisting of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, and lung cancer. The breast cancer may be a tamoxifen resistant breast cancer or a triple negative breast cancer.

The present invention also relates to methods of identifying a cancer in a subject. The methods may include obtaining a test sample from the subject having cancer and determining an amount of PKCα in the test sample. If the amount of PKCα in the test sample is greater than an amount of PKCα in a test sample from a subject not having cancer, then the cancer may be sensitive to at least one compound of formula (I), formula (Ia), formula (Ib), formula (Ic), and/or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to a compound of formula (II),

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. A₁ is selected from the group consisting of halogen, trifluoromethyl, and —OR₁. A₂ is selected from the group consisting of halogen, trifluoromethyl, and —OR₂. A₃ is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, heterocycle, and heteroaryl. A₄ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl-heteroaryl wherein the aryl is substituted or unsubstituted (e.g., 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazolyl), and —OR₃. R₁, R₂ and R₃ are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, —SO₃R^(x1), —PO₃R^(y1)R^(z1), and —C(═O)R^(a). R^(x1), R^(y1) and R^(z1), at each occurrence, are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and a pharmaceutically acceptable cation. R^(a) is alkyl or —OH.

Also provided are compounds of formula (II), wherein A₁ is fluoro. A₁ may be fluoro located in the 4-position of the phenyl ring to which it is attached. Also provided are compounds of formula (II), wherein A₂ is —OH.

Representative examples of compounds of formula (II) may include, but are not limited to:

-   (2-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)methanone; -   (3-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)methanone; -   cyclopropyl(2-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)methanone; -   cyclopropyl(3-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)methanone; -   (2-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)(pyridin-4-yl)methanone; -   (3-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)(pyridin-4-yl)methanone; -   1-(2-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)-2-methylpropan-1-one; -   1-(3-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)-2-methylpropan-1-one; -   (4-ethynylphenyl)(2-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)methanone; -   (4-ethynylphenyl)(3-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)methanone; -   (2-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)(p-tolyl)methanone; -   (3-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)(p-tolyl)methanone; -   (4-(1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)phenyl)(2-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)methanone; -   (4-(1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)phenyl)(3-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)methanone; -   (3r,5r,7r)-adamantan-1-yl(2-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)methanone; -   (3r,5r,7r)-adamantan-1-yl(3-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)methanone;

or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

The compound of formula (II) may be a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM). The compounds of formula (II) may prevent or reduce the risk of thrombosis through the anticoagulant intrinsic and/or extrinsic pathways. The compounds of formula may prevent or reduce the risk of thrombosis even when eNOS is inhibited or inactive. The compounds of formula (II) may be procognitive and neuroprotective even in the presence of NOS dysfunction.

The present invention also relates to methods of treatment of estrogen-related medical disorders. The methods of treatment may include administering to a subject in need of such treatment a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of at least one compound of formula (II), and/or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

An estrogen-related medical disorder may be selected from the group consisting of cancer, inflammation, osteoporosis, vaginal atrophy, central nervous system diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's Disease and mild cognitive impairment), and cardiovascular system diseases (e.g., thrombosis). The cancer may be selected from the group consisting of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, and lung cancer. The breast cancer may be a tamoxifen resistant breast cancer or a triple negative breast cancer.

The present invention also relates to methods of identifying a cancer in a subject. The methods may include obtaining a test sample from the subject having cancer and determining an amount of PKCα in the test sample. If the amount of PKCα in the test sample is greater than an amount of PKCα in a test sample from a subject not having cancer, then the cancer may be sensitive to at least one compound of formula (II), and/or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

1. DEFINITIONS

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. In case of conflict, the present document, including definitions, will control. Preferred methods and materials are described below, although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in practice or testing of the present invention. All publications, patent applications, patents and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. The materials, methods, and examples disclosed herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

The terms “comprise(s),” “include(s),” “having,” “has,” “can,” “contain(s),” and variants thereof, as used herein, are intended to be open-ended transitional phrases, terms, or words that do not preclude the possibility of additional acts or structures. The singular forms “a,” “and” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The present disclosure also contemplates other embodiments “comprising,” “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of,” the embodiments or elements presented herein, whether explicitly set forth or not.

The term “alkoxy” as used herein, refers to an alkyl group, as defined herein, appended to the parent molecular moiety through an oxygen atom. Representative examples of alkoxy include, but are not limited to, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, 2-propoxy, butoxy and tert-butoxy.

The term “alkoxycarbonyl” as used herein, refers to an alkoxy group, as defined herein, appended to the parent molecular moiety through a carbonyl group, as defined herein. Representative examples of alkoxycarbonyl include, but are not limited to, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, and tert-butoxycarbonyl.

The term “alkyl” as used herein, refers to a straight or branched chain hydrocarbon containing from 1 to 10 carbon atoms. Representative examples of alkyl include, but are not limited to, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, iso-butyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, and decyl. The alkyl groups of this invention may be unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2, or 3 oxo substituents.

The term “alkylene”, as used herein, refers to a divalent group derived from a straight or branched chain hydrocarbon of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, for example, of 2 to 5 carbon atoms. Representative examples of alkylene include, but are not limited to, —CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—, and —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—.

The term “alkylheterocyclealkyl”, as used herein, refers to an alkyl group, as defined herein, appended to a heterocycle group, as defined herein, wherein the heterocycle group is appended to the parent molecular moiety through another alkyl group, as defined herein. Representative examples of alkylheteroalkyl include, but are not limited to, ethylpiperidinylpropyl.

The term “aryl” as used herein, refers to a phenyl group, or a bicyclic fused ring system. Bicyclic fused ring systems are exemplified by a phenyl group appended to the parent molecular moiety and fused to a cycloalkyl group, as defined herein, a phenyl group, a heteroaryl group, as defined herein, or a heterocycle, as defined herein. Representative examples of aryl include, but are not limited to, indolyl, naphthyl, phenyl, quinolinyl and tetrahydroquinolinyl.

The term “carbonyl” as used herein, refers to a —C(═O)— group.

The term “cycloalkyl” as used herein, refers to a carbocyclic ring system containing three to ten carbon atoms, zero heteroatoms and zero double bonds. Representative examples of cycloalkyl include, but are not limited to, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, cyclooctyl, cyclononyl and cyclodecyl. The cycloalkyl groups of this invention may be optionally substituted with 1, 2 or 3 alkyl substituents.

The term “cycloalkylalkyl” as used herein, refers to a cycloalkyl group, as defined herein, appended to the parent molecular moiety through an alkyl group, as defined herein. Representative examples of cycloalkylalkyl include, but are not limited to, cyclopropylmethyl, 1-methylcyclopropylmethyl, cyclohexylmethyl and 3,5-dimethylcyclohexylmethyl.

The term “halogen” as used herein, means Cl, Br, I, or F.

The term “heteroaryl” as used herein, refers to an aromatic monocyclic ring or an aromatic bicyclic ring system. The aromatic monocyclic rings are five or six membered rings containing at least one heteroatom independently selected from the group consisting of N, O and S. The five membered aromatic monocyclic rings have two double bonds and the six membered six membered aromatic monocyclic rings have three double bonds. The bicyclic heteroaryl groups are exemplified by a monocyclic heteroaryl ring appended to the parent molecular moiety and fused to a monocyclic cycloalkyl group, as defined herein, a monocyclic aryl group, as defined herein, a monocyclic heteroaryl group, as defined herein, or a monocyclic heterocycle, as defined herein. Representative examples of heteroaryl include, but are not limited to, indolyl, pyridinyl (including pyridin-2-yl, pyridin-3-yl, pyridin-4-yl), pyrimidinyl and quinolinyl.

The term “heterocycle” as use herein, refers to a non-aromatic monocyclic ring or a non-aromatic bicyclic ring. The non-aromatic monocyclic ring is a three, four, five, six, seven, or eight membered ring containing at least one heteroatom, independently selected from the group consisting of N, O and S. Representative examples of monocyclic ring systems include, but are not limited to, azetidinyl (including azetidin-2-yl, azetidin-3-yl), piperidinyl (including piperidin-2-yl, piperidin-3-yl, piperidin-4-yl), tetrahydrofuranyl (including tetrahydrofuran-2-yl, tetrahydrofuran-3-yl) and tetrahydropyranyl (including tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl, tetrahydro-2H-pyran-3-yl, tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-yl). The bicyclic heterocycles are exemplified by a monocyclic heterocycle appended to the parent molecular moiety and fused to a monocyclic cycloalkyl heterocycle, as defined herein. Bicyclic ring systems are also exemplified by a bridged monocyclic ring system in which two non-adjacent atoms of the monocyclic ring are linked by a bridge of between one and three additional atoms selected from the group consisting of carbon, nitrogen and oxygen.

The heterocycles of this invention may be optionally substituted with 1, 2 or 3 substituents independently selected from alkyl, alkoxycarbonyl, and oxo.

The term “heterocyclealkyl” as used herein, refers to a heterocycle group, as defined herein, appended to the parent molecular moiety through an alkyl group, as defined herein. Representative examples of heterocyclealkyl include, but are not limited to ethylpiperidinyl and 1-ethylpiperidinyl.

The term “oxo” as used herein, refers to a ═O group.

The term “pharmaceutically acceptable cation” refers to a positively charged molecule or atom that is balanced by a negatively charged molecule or atom. Representative pharmaceutically acceptable cations include metal salts such as, for example, aluminum, calcium, copper, ferric, ferrous, lithium, magnesium, manganic salts, manganous, potassium, sodium, zinc, and the like as well as nontoxic ammonium, quaternary ammonium and amine cations including, but not limited to ammonium, tetramethylammonium, tetraethylammonium, methylamine, dimethylamine, trimethylamine, triethylamine, ethylamine, naturally occurring substituted amine, cyclic amines, arginine, betaine, caffeine, choline, N,N′-dibenzylethylenediamine, diethylamine, 2-diethylaminoethanol, 2-dimethylaminoethanol, ethanolamine, ethylenediamine, N-ethylmorpholine, N-ethylpiperidine, glucamine, glucosamine, histidine, hydrabamine, isopropylamine, lysine, methylglucamine, morpholine, piperazine, piperidine, procaine, purines, theobromine, tripropylamine, tromethamine, triethanolamine and the like.

The term “trifluoromethyl” as used herein means a —CF₃ group.

In some instances, the number of carbon atoms in a hydrocarbyl substituent (e.g., alkyl or cycloalkyl) is indicated by the prefix “C_(x)—C_(y)—”, wherein x is the minimum and y is the maximum number of carbon atoms in the substituent. Thus, for example, “C₁-C₃-alkyl” refers to an alkyl substituent containing from 1 to 3 carbon atoms.

For the recitation of numeric ranges herein, each intervening number there between with the same degree of precision is explicitly contemplated. For example, for the range of 6-9, the numbers 7 and 8 are contemplated in addition to 6 and 9, and for the range 6.0-7.0, the number 6.0, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9, and 7.0 are explicitly contemplated.

2. COMPOUNDS OF THE INVENTION

Compounds of the invention (also referred to herein as “agents”) include compounds of formula (I)

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. A₁ is selected from the group consisting of halogen, trifluoromethyl, and —OR₁. A₂ is selected from the group consisting of halogen, trifluoromethyl, and —OR₂. X₁ is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, —O—, —N(H)—, —S—, —S(═O)—, and —C(═O)—. A₃ is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, heterocycle, and heteroaryl. A₄ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl-heteroaryl wherein the aryl is substituted or unsubstituted (e.g., 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazolyl), and —OR₃. R₁, R₂ and R₃ are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, —SO₃R^(x1), —PO₃R^(y1)R^(z1), —C(═O)R^(a), and —R₄-G₁. R^(x1), R^(y1) and R^(z1), at each occurrence, are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and a pharmaceutically acceptable cation. R^(a) is alkyl or —OH. R₄, at each occurrence, is independently selected from the group consisting of a substituent comprising 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a substituent comprising 1 to 10 carbon atoms and optionally containing at least one nitrogen atom, a substituent comprising 1 to 10 carbon atoms and optionally containing at least one C═O group, and a substituent comprising 1 to 10 carbon atoms and optionally containing at least one nitrogen and/or at least one C═O group. G₁, at each occurrence, is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and —ONO₂, wherein at least one of R₁, R₂ and R₃ is —R₄-G₁, and wherein at least one occurrence of G₁ is —ONO₂.

The agent may be a compound of formula (I), wherein R₄, at each occurrence, is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, heterocyclealkyl, and alkylheterocyclealkyl, wherein any carbon atom on the alkyl group, together with an alkylene, may form a cycloalkyl, and wherein alkyl may be unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2, or 3 oxo substituents.

The agent may be a compound of formula (I), wherein R₄, at each occurrence, is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkylheterocyclealkyl, and heterocyclealkyl.

The compound of formula (I) may comprise a compound of formula (Ia)

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. A₁ is selected from the group consisting of halogen, trifluoromethyl, and —OR₁. A₂ is selected from the group consisting of halogen, trifluoromethyl, and —OR₂. A₃ is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, heterocycle, and heteroaryl. R₁ and R₂ are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, —SO₃R^(x1), —PO₃R^(y1)R^(z1), —C(═O)R^(a), and —R₄-G₁. R₄, at each occurrence, is independently selected from the group consisting of a substituent comprising 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a substituent comprising 1 to 10 carbon atoms and optionally containing at least one nitrogen atom, a substituent comprising 1 to 10 carbon atoms and optionally containing at least one C═O group, and a substituent comprising 1 to 10 carbon atoms and optionally containing at least one nitrogen and/or at least one C═O group. R₅ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C₁-C₃-alkyl-G₁. G₁, at each occurrence, is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and —ONO₂, wherein at least one of R₁ and R₂ is —R₄-G₁ and/or R₅ is C₁-C₃-alkyl-G₁, and wherein at least one occurrence of G₁ is —ONO₂. R^(x1), R^(yl) and R^(z1) are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and a pharmaceutically acceptable cation. R^(a) is alkyl or —OH.

The compound of formula (I) may comprise a compound of formula (Ia), wherein R₄, at each occurrence, is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, heterocyclealkyl, and alkylheterocyclealkyl, wherein any carbon atom on the alkyl group, together with an alkylene, may form a cycloalkyl, and wherein alkyl may be unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2, or 3 oxo substituents.

The compound of formula (I) may comprise a compound of formula (Ia), wherein R₄, at each occurrence, is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkylheterocyclealkyl, and heterocyclealkyl.

The compound of formula (I) may comprise a compound of formula (Ia), wherein R₄-G₁ is

The compound of formula (I) may comprise a compound of formula (Ib)

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. A₁ is selected from the group consisting of halogen, trifluoromethyl, and —OR₁. A₂ is selected from the group consisting of halogen, trifluoromethyl, and —OR₂. R₁ and R₂ are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, —SO₃R^(x1), —PO₃R^(y1)R^(z1), —C(═O)R^(a), and —R₄-G₁. R₄, at each occurrence, is independently selected from the group consisting of a substituent comprising 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a substituent comprising 1 to 10 carbon atoms and optionally containing at least one nitrogen atom, a substituent comprising 1 to 10 carbon atoms and optionally containing at least one C═O group, and a substituent comprising 1 to 10 carbon atoms and optionally containing at least one nitrogen and/or at least one C═O group. R₅ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C₁-C₃-alkyl-G₁. G₁, at each occurrence, is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and —ONO₂, wherein at least one of R₁ and R₂ is —R₄-G₁ and/or R₅ is C₁-C₃-alkyl-G₁, and wherein at least one occurrence of G₁ is —ONO₂. R^(x1), R^(y1) and R^(z1) are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and a pharmaceutically acceptable cation. R^(a) is alkyl or —OH.

The compound of formula (I) may comprise a compound of formula (Ib), wherein R₄, at each occurrence, is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, heterocyclealkyl, and alkylheterocyclealkyl, wherein any carbon atom on the alkyl group, together with an alkylene, may form a cycloalkyl, and wherein alkyl may be unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2, or 3 oxo substituents.

The compound of formula (I) may comprise a compound of formula (Ib), wherein R₄, at each occurrence, is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkylheterocyclealkyl, and heterocyclealkyl.

The compound of formula (I) may comprise a compound of formula (Ib), wherein R₄-G₁ is

The compound of formula (I) may comprise a compound of formula (Ic)

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. A₁ is selected from the group consisting of halogen, trifluoromethyl, and —OR₁. A₂ is selected from the group consisting of halogen, trifluoromethyl, and —OR₂. A₃ is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, heterocycle, and heteroaryl. A₄ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl-heteroaryl wherein the aryl is substituted or unsubstituted (e.g., 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazolyl), and —OR₃. R₁, R₂ and R₃ are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, —SO₃R^(x1), —PO₃R^(y1)R^(z1), —C(═O)R^(a), and —R₄-G₁. R^(x1), R^(y1) and R^(z1), at each occurrence, are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and a pharmaceutically acceptable cation. R^(a) is alkyl or —OH. R₄, at each occurrence, is independently selected from the group consisting of a substituent comprising 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a substituent comprising 1 to 10 carbon atoms and optionally containing at least one nitrogen atom, a substituent comprising 1 to 10 carbon atoms and optionally containing at least one C═O group, and a substituent comprising 1 to 10 carbon atoms and optionally containing at least one nitrogen and/or at least one C═O group. G₁, at each occurrence, is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and —ONO₂, wherein at least one of R₁, R₂ and R₃ is —R₄-G₁, and wherein at least one occurrence of G₁ is —ONO₂.

The compound of formula (I) may comprise a compound of formula (Ic), wherein R₄, at each occurrence, is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, heterocyclealkyl, and alkylheterocyclealkyl, wherein any carbon atom on the alkyl group, together with an alkylene, may form a cycloalkyl, and wherein alkyl may be unsubstituted or substituted with 1, 2, or 3 oxo substituents.

The compound of formula (I) may comprise a compound of formula (Ic), wherein R₄, at each occurrence, is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkylheterocyclealkyl, and heterocyclealkyl.

The compound of formula (I) may comprise a compound of formula (Ic), wherein R₄-G₁ or

A compound of formula (I) may include, but may not be limited to

-   3-(1-(2-(4-((6-hydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)benzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)oxy)phenoxy)ethyl)piperidin-4-yl)propyl     nitrate; -   4-(6-hydroxy-3-(4-(2-(piperidin-1-yl)ethoxy)phenoxy)benzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)phenyl     1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; -   2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(4-(2-(piperidin-1-yl)ethoxy)phenoxy)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl     1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; -   3-(1-(2-(4-((6-hydroxy-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)benzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)oxy)phenoxy)ethyl)piperidin-4-yl)propyl     nitrate; -   4-(6-hydroxy-2-(4-(2-(piperidin-1-yl)ethoxy)phenoxy)benzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)phenyl     1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; -   3-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-(2-(piperidin-1-yl)ethoxy)phenoxy)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl     1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; -   2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(4-(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl     1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; -   (1-(((2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(4-(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl     nitrate; -   3-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl     1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; -   (1-(((3-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl     nitrate; -   3-(cyclopropanecarbonyl)-2-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl     1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; -   (1-(((3-(cyclopropanecarbonyl)-2-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl     nitrate; -   2-(cyclopropanecarbonyl)-3-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl     1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; -   (1-(((2-(cyclopropanecarbonyl)-3-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl     nitrate; -   2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-isonicotinoylbenzo[b]thiophen-6-yl     1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; -   (1-(((2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-isonicotinoylbenzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl     nitrate; -   3-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-isonicotinoylbenzo[b]thiophen-6-yl     1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; -   (1-(((3-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-isonicotinoylbenzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl     nitrate; -   2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-isobutyrylbenzo[b]thiophen-6-yl     1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; -   (1-(((2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-isobutyrylbenzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl     nitrate; -   3-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-isobutyrylbenzo[b]thiophen-6-yl     1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; -   (1-(((3-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-isobutyrylbenzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl     nitrate; -   3-(4-ethynylbenzoyl)-2-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl     1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; -   (1-(((3-(4-ethynylbenzoyl)-2-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl     nitrate; -   2-(4-ethynylbenzoyl)-3-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl     1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; -   (1-(((2-(4-ethynylbenzoyl)-3-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl     nitrate; -   2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(4-methylbenzoyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl     1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; -   (1-(((2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(4-methylbenzoyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl     nitrate; -   3-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-methylbenzoyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl     1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; -   (1-(((3-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-methylbenzoyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl     nitrate; -   2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(4-(1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)benzoyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl     1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; -   (1-(((2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(4-(1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)benzoyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl     nitrate; -   3-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-(1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)benzoyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl     1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; -   (1-(((3-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-(1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)benzoyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl     nitrate; -   3-((3r,5r,7r)-adamantane-1-carbonyl)-2-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl     1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; -   (1-(((3-((3r,5r,7r)-adamantane-1-carbonyl)-2-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl     nitrate; -   2-((3r,5r,7r)-adamantane-1-carbonyl)-3-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl     1-((nitrooxy)methyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate; -   (1-(((2-((3r,5r,7r)-adamantane-1-carbonyl)-3-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl)oxy)methyl)cyclopropyl)methyl     nitrate;

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

Compounds of the invention (also referred to herein as “agents”) include compounds of formula (II)

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. A₁ is selected from the group consisting of halogen, trifluoromethyl, and —OR₁. A₂ is selected from the group consisting of halogen, trifluoromethyl, and —OR₂. A₃ is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, heterocycle, and heteroaryl. A₄ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl-heteroaryl wherein the aryl is substituted or unsubstituted (e.g., 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazolyl), and —OR₃. R₁, R₂ and R₃ are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, —SO₃R^(x1), —PO₃R^(y1)R^(z1), and —C(═O)R^(a). R^(x1), R^(y1) and R^(z1), at each occurrence, are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and a pharmaceutically acceptable cation. R^(a) is alkyl or —OH.

Also provided are compounds of formula (II), wherein A₁ is fluoro. A₁ may be fluoro located in the 4-position of the phenyl ring to which it is attached. Also provided are compounds of formula (II), wherein A₂ is —OH.

Representative examples of compounds of formula (II) may include, but are not limited to:

-   (2-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)methanone; -   (3-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)methanone; -   cyclopropyl(2-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)methanone; -   cyclopropyl(3-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)methanone; -   (2-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)(pyridin-4-yl)methanone; -   (3-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)(pyridin-4-yl)methanone; -   1-(2-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)-2-methylpropan-1-one; -   1-(3-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)-2-methylpropan-1-one; -   (4-ethynylphenyl)(2-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)methanone; -   (4-ethynylphenyl)(3-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)methanone; -   (2-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)(p-tolyl)methanone; -   (3-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)(p-tolyl)methanone; -   (4-(1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)phenyl)(2-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)methanone; -   (4-(1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)phenyl)(3-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)methanone; -   (3r,5r,7r)-adamantan-1-yl(2-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)methanone; -   (3r,5r,7r)-adamantan-1-yl(3-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)methanone;

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

Compounds of the invention may act or function as an agonist, an antagonist, a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), or a selective estrogen mimic (SEM). The compounds of may be a nitric oxide (NO) donating selective estrogen receptor modulator (NO-SERM). The compounds may prevent or reduce the risk of thrombosis through the anticoagulant intrinsic and/or extrinsic pathways. The compounds of may prevent or reduce the risk of thrombosis even when eNOS is inhibited or inactive. The compounds may be procognitive and neuroprotective even in the presence of NOS dysfunction.

The present compounds may exist as a pharmaceutically acceptable salt. The term “pharmaceutically acceptable salt” refers to salts or zwitterions of the compounds which are water or oil-soluble or dispersible, suitable for treatment of disorders without undue toxicity, irritation, and allergic response, commensurate with a reasonable benefit/risk ratio and effective for their intended use. The salts may be prepared during the final isolation and purification of the compounds or separately by reacting an amino group of the compounds with a suitable acid. For example, a compound may be dissolved in a suitable solvent, such as but not limited to methanol and water and treated with at least one equivalent of an acid, like hydrochloric acid. The resulting salt may precipitate out and be isolated by filtration and dried under reduced pressure. Alternatively, the solvent and excess acid may be removed under reduced pressure to provide a salt. Representative salts include acetate, adipate, alginate, citrate, aspartate, benzoate, benzenesulfonate, bisulfate, butyrate, camphorate, camphorsulfonate, digluconate, glycerophosphate, hemisulfate, heptanoate, hexanoate, formate, isethionate, fumarate, lactate, maleate, methanesulfonate, naphthylenesulfonate, nicotinate, oxalate, pamoate, pectinate, persulfate, 3-phenylpropionate, picrate, oxalate, maleate, pivalate, propionate, succinate, tartrate, thrichloroacetate, trifluoroacetate, glutamate, para-toluenesulfonate, undecanoate, hydrochloric, hydrobromic, sulfuric, phosphoric and the like. The amino groups of the compounds may also be quaternized with alkyl chlorides, bromides and iodides such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, lauryl, myristyl, stearyl and the like.

Basic addition salts may be prepared during the final isolation and purification of the present compounds by reaction of a carboxyl group with a suitable base such as the hydroxide, carbonate, or bicarbonate of a metal cation such as lithium, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, or aluminum, or an organic primary, secondary, or tertiary amine. Quaternary amine salts derived from methylamine, dimethylamine, trimethylamine, triethylamine, diethylamine, ethylamine, tributylamine, pyridine, N,N-dimethylaniline, N-methylpiperidine, N-methylmorpholine, dicyclohexylamine, procaine, dibenzylamine, N,N-dibenzylphenethylamine, 1-ephenamine and N,N′-dibenzylethylenediamine, ethylenediamine, ethanolamine, diethanolamine, piperidine, piperazine, and the like, are contemplated as being within the scope of the present invention.

3. PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOSITIONS

Compounds of the invention may be incorporated into pharmaceutical compositions suitable for administration to a subject (such as a patient, which may be a human or non-human).

The pharmaceutical compositions may include a “therapeutically effective amount” or a “prophylactically effective amount” of the agent. A “therapeutically effective amount” refers to an amount effective, at dosages and for periods of time necessary, to achieve the desired therapeutic result. A therapeutically effective amount of the composition may be determined by a person skilled in the art and may vary according to factors such as the disease state, age, sex, and weight of the individual, and the ability of the composition to elicit a desired response in the individual. A therapeutically effective amount is also one in which any toxic or detrimental effects of a compound of the invention [e.g., a compound of formula (I), formula (Ia), formula (Ib), formula (Ic), and/or formula (II)] are outweighed by the therapeutically beneficial effects. A “prophylactically effective amount” refers to an amount effective, at dosages and for periods of time necessary, to achieve the desired prophylactic result. Typically, since a prophylactic dose is used in subjects prior to or at an earlier stage of disease, the prophylactically effective amount will be less than the therapeutically effective amount.

For example, a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula (I), formula (Ia), formula (Ib), formula (Ic), or formula (II), may be about 1 mg/kg to about 1000 mg/kg, about 5 mg/kg to about 950 mg/kg, about 10 mg/kg to about 900 mg/kg, about 15 mg/kg to about 850 mg/kg, about 20 mg/kg to about 800 mg/kg, about 25 mg/kg to about 750 mg/kg, about 30 mg/kg to about 700 mg/kg, about 35 mg/kg to about 650 mg/kg, about 40 mg/kg to about 600 mg/kg, about 45 mg/kg to about 550 mg/kg, about 50 mg/kg to about 500 mg/kg, about 55 mg/kg to about 450 mg/kg, about 60 mg/kg to about 400 mg/kg, about 65 mg/kg to about 350 mg/kg, about 70 mg/kg to about 300 mg/kg, about 75 mg/kg to about 250 mg/kg, about 80 mg/kg to about 200 mg/kg, about 85 mg/kg to about 150 mg/kg, and about 90 mg/kg to about 100 mg/kg.

The pharmaceutical compositions may include pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. The term “pharmaceutically acceptable carrier,” as used herein, means a non-toxic, inert solid, semi-solid or liquid filler, diluent, encapsulating material or formulation auxiliary of any type. Some examples of materials which can serve as pharmaceutically acceptable carriers are sugars such as, but not limited to, lactose, glucose and sucrose; starches such as, but not limited to, corn starch and potato starch; cellulose and its derivatives such as, but not limited to, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose and cellulose acetate; powdered tragacanth; malt; gelatin; talc; excipients such as, but not limited to, cocoa butter and suppository waxes; oils such as, but not limited to, peanut oil, cottonseed oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, olive oil, corn oil and soybean oil; glycols; such as propylene glycol; esters such as, but not limited to, ethyl oleate and ethyl laurate; agar; buffering agents such as, but not limited to, magnesium hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide; alginic acid; pyrogen-free water; isotonic saline; Ringer's solution; ethyl alcohol, and phosphate buffer solutions, as well as other non-toxic compatible lubricants such as, but not limited to, sodium lauryl sulfate and magnesium stearate, as well as coloring agents, releasing agents, coating agents, sweetening, flavoring and perfuming agents, preservatives and antioxidants can also be present in the composition, according to the judgment of the formulator.

4. METHODS OF TREATMENT

The compounds and compositions of the present invention may be used in methods for treatment of estrogen-related medical disorders. The methods of treatment may comprise administering to a subject in need of such treatment a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of an agent.

a. Estrogen-Related Disorders

The compositions of the present invention may be used in methods for treatment of estrogen-related medical disorders. An estrogen-related medical disorder may be any medical disorder in which the activity of an estrogen receptor is altered or changed. Alteration of the activity of an estrogen receptor may include upregulation or downregulation of estrogen receptor activity. Alteration of the activity of an estrogen receptor may be the same or different in organs, tissues, and/or cells of a subject.

An estrogen-related medical disorder may also be any medical disorder responsive to modulation of the activity of an estrogen receptor. Such modulation of the activity of an estrogen receptor may include upregulation or downregulation of estrogen receptor activity. The activity of an estrogen receptor may be modulated or altered by an agonist, an antagonist, a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), a selective estrogen mimic (SEM), a nitric oxide donating SERM (NO-SERM), and/or nitric oxide donating SEM (NO-SEM). The activity of the estrogen receptor may be modulated the same or differently in different organs, tissues, and/or cells of a subject.

An estrogen-related medical disorder may further be any medical disorder caused by the action of estrogen and/or lack or blocking of estrogen action. An estrogen-related medical disorder may be any medical disorder responsive to the action of a composition of the present invention and/or lack or blocking of estrogen action by a composition of the present invention.

An estrogen-related medical disorder may be, but is not limited to, cancer, inflammation, osteoporosis, vaginal atrophy, central nervous system diseases, and cardiovascular diseases.

(1) Cancer

The methods of the present invention may be used in methods for treatment of estrogen-related medical disorders, for example, cancer. The cancer may be a breast cancer, a uterine cancer, an ovarian cancer, a prostate cancer, and a lung cancer. Particularly, the breast cancer may be a tamoxifen resistant breast cancer or a triple negative breast cancer. The expression or over expression of PKCα may be indicative of or associated with breast cancer. PKCα may be a biomarker or marker of breast cancer.

The method of treatment may prevent or reduce the risk of cancer. The method of treatment may cause partial or complete regression of cancer in a subject.

The method of treatment may antagonize estrogen action in the breast. The method of treatment may block or limit the mitogenic activities of estrogen in the breast, reproductive system, and the prostate. The method of treatment may cause partial or complete regression of a tamoxifen resistant cancer or tumor. The method of treatment may cause partial or complete regression of a triple negative breast cancer.

(2) Inflammation

The methods of the present invention may be used in methods for treatment of estrogen-related medical disorders, for example, inflammation. The method of treatment may prevent or reduce inflammation in a subject in need of such treatment.

(3) Osteoporosis

The methods of the present invention may be used in methods for treatment of estrogen-related medical disorders, for example, osteoporosis. The methods of treatment may prevent or reduce osteoporosis in a subject in need of such treatment. The methods of treatment may prevent or reduce the loss of bone mineral density in a subject. The methods of treatment may reduce or decrease the rate of bone turnover or fractures. The methods of treatment may improve or maintain bone mineral density in a subject.

(4) Vaginal Atrophy

The methods of the present invention may be used in methods for treatment of estrogen-related medical disorders, for example, vaginal atrophy. The methods of treatment may prevent or reduce vaginal atrophy in a subject in need of such treatment.

(5) Cardiovascular System Diseases

The methods of the present invention may be used in methods for treatment of estrogen-related medical disorders, for example, cardiovascular system diseases. The methods of treatment may enhance or maintain the vasodilatory effects of estradiol on the coronary vasculature. The methods of treatment may decrease or lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. The methods of treatment may raise high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels. The methods of treatment may decrease or reduce the risk of myocardial infarction. The methods of treatment may prevent or reduce the risk of thrombosis. The methods of treatment may prevent or reduce the risk of stroke. The methods of treatment may prevent or reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.

(6) Central Nervous System Diseases

The methods of the present invention may be used in methods for treatment of estrogen-related medical disorders, for example, central nervous system diseases. The disease of the central nervous system may be Alzheimer's Disease or mild cognitive impairment. The methods of treatment may prevent, reduce, or reverse Alzheimer's Disease or mild cognitive impairment in a subject in need of such treatment. The methods of the present invention may reverse cognitive deficits. The methods of the present invention may restore cognition, long term potentiation (LTP), and synaptic function, and/or be neuroprotective. The methods of present invention may promote neuronal survival and/or hippocampal neurogenesis.

b. Modes of Administration

Methods of treatment may include any number of modes of administering the composition of the present invention. Modes of administration may include tablets, pills, dragees, hard and soft gel capsules, granules, pellets, aqueous, lipid, oily or other solutions, emulsions such as oil-in-water emulsions, liposomes, aqueous or oily suspensions, syrups, elixirs, solid emulsions, solid dispersions or dispersible powders. For the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions for oral administration, the agent may be admixed with commonly known and used adjuvants and excipients such as for example, gum arabic, talcum, starch, sugars (such as, e.g., mannitose, methyl cellulose, lactose), gelatin, surface-active agents, magnesium stearate, aqueous or non-aqueous solvents, paraffin derivatives, cross-linking agents, dispersants, emulsifiers, lubricants, conserving agents, flavoring agents (e.g., ethereal oils), solubility enhancers (e.g., benzyl benzoate or benzyl alcohol) or bioavailability enhancers (e.g. Gelucire™). In the pharmaceutical composition, the agent may also be dispersed in a microparticle, e.g. a nanoparticulate composition.

For parenteral administration, the agent can be dissolved or suspended in a physiologically acceptable diluent, such as, e.g., water, buffer, oils with or without solubilizers, surface-active agents, dispersants or emulsifiers. As oils for example and without limitation, olive oil, peanut oil, cottonseed oil, soybean oil, castor oil and sesame oil may be used. More generally spoken, for parenteral administration, the agent can be in the form of an aqueous, lipid, oily or other kind of solution or suspension or even administered in the form of liposomes or nano-suspensions.

The term “parenterally,” as used herein, refers to modes of administration which include intravenous, intramuscular, intraperitoneal, intrasternal, subcutaneous and intraarticular injection and infusion.

5. METHOD OF IDENTIFICATION

The present invention also relates to methods of identifying a cancer in a subject. The method may include obtaining a test sample from the subject having cancer and determining an amount of PKCα in the test sample. If the amount of PKCα in the test sample is greater than an amount of PKCα in a test a sample from a subject not having cancer, then the cancer is sensitive to at least one compound of the invention [e.g., a compound of formula (I), formula (Ia), formula (Ib), formula (Ic), and/or formula (II)].

A cancer sensitive to at least one compound of the invention may overexpress protein kinase C alpha (PKCα) and/or be resistant to tamoxifen. A subject having a cancer sensitive to at least once compound of the invention may have an amount of PKCα that is greater than a subject not having cancer and/or not having a cancer sensitive to at least once compound of the invention.

The present invention has multiple aspects, illustrated by the following non-limiting examples.

6. EXAMPLES

In the examples below, DMA analogues and NO-DMA were prepared for study of neuroprotective and procognitive effects of SERMs and of the potential for an NO-SERM to overcome adverse effects associated with thrombus formation and eNOS dysfunction. We demonstrate that SERM neuroprotection is mediated through a GPR30-dependent mechanism, and extend these results to show that GPR30 mediates the actions of SERMs in restoration of synaptic transmission in an AD transgenic mouse model. We also demonstrate that the procognitive and vasodilatory effects of SERMs are dependent on intact NOS signaling, whereas NO-SERMs preserve action in models where NOS signaling is impaired. This is the first report of an NO-SERM that acts as an antithrombotic agent able to reverse deficits in synaptic transmission and memory in mouse models, while preserving ER binding and retaining efficacy in the face of attenuated eNOS activity.

Example 1 Materials and Methods for Examples 2-8

Synthesis of NO-DMA (i.e., compound 8) and DMA analogues.

Synthesis of F-DMA and DMA has been described (96). Synthesis of NO-DMA (3-(1-(2-(4-(6-hydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)benzo[b]thiophen-3-yloxy)phenoxy)ethyl)piperidin-4-yl)propyl nitrate) and full characterization data are supplied in Example 11.

Animal Use.

Use of animals was approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee at the University of Illinois at Chicago. All experiments conformed to the Animal Welfare Act, Guide to Use and Care of Laboratory Animals, and the US Government Principles of the Utilization and Care of Vertebrate Animals Used in Testing, Research and Training guidelines on the ethical use of animals.

Primary Neuron Preparation.

Primary cultures of dissociated cortical neurons were prepared as follows; briefly, cortices were dissected from E16-18 Sprague-Dawley rats (Charles River). After removal of meninges, cortices were manually dissociated and plated at a density of 10⁶ cells/mL into 96-well plates. Twenty-four hours after plating, cultures were grown in Neurobasal A media supplemented with B27, glutamine and pen/strep, with media changes every 3-4 days. In accordance with published protocols, measured levels of glia in culture after DIV2 are <0.5%.

Oxygen Glucose Deprivation (OGD).

The cell media was changed to phenol red-free growing media at least 3 h before OGD. Receptor blockers were added 45 min prior to the start of OGD, and SERMs were added at the start of OGD, with concentrations maintained through media changes. For OGD, the cells were transferred to a hypoxia chamber controlled at 5% CO₂ and <1% O₂, and growth media was replaced with a physiological salt solution (in mM:NaCl 116, CaCl₂ 1.8, MgSO₄ 0.8, KCl 5.4, NaHCO₃ 14.7, NaHPO₄ 1, HEPES 10, pH=7.4). After 2 h OGD, cells were removed from the chamber and growth media was replaced. After 24 h, cell viability was measured by MTT assay using a Dynex MRX 11 micro-plate spectrophotometer.

Electrophysiology.

All experiments used 16-month old male 3×Tg transgenic or age-matched WT background controls. For electrophysiology, mice were rapidly decapitated, and brains were removed into an ice-cold aCSF solution (in mM: NaCl 124, KCl 3.0, KH₂PO₄ 1.25, NaHCO₃ 25.7, D-glucose 10, L-ascorbate 2.0, MgSO₄ 2.5, and CaCl₂ 3.3) and sectioned on a tissue chopper into 400 um sections. Slices were transported to a 37° C. solution of aCSF, continuously bubbled with 95% O₂/5% CO₂, and allowed to recover at least 60 min before experimentation. After placement of a stimulation electrode in the Schaffer commissural fibers and recording electrodes with 2 M NaCl solution into the stratum radiatum of the CA1 area, stimulus intensity was set to evoke submaximal fEPSP and continuously monitored at 20 s intervals for at least 15 min to establish a stable baseline. SERMs (100 nM) and G15 (100 nM) were prepared fresh in perfusate and started at least 30 min before LTP induction to reach a new baseline after enhancement of basal synaptic transmission was observed (97). LTP was induced using a theta burst induction protocol by applying 10 bursts of four pulses at 100 Hz with an interburst interval of 200 msec. Resulting fEPSP was monitored at 20 s intervals for ˜60 min post TBS.

CNS Bioavailability & NO_(x) Measurement.

All experiments were performed on either male C57Bl/6 mice (Charles River Laboratory) or eNOS (−/−) animals. Animals were injected (i.p.) at various time points before sacrifice at the doses specified. After euthanasia via CO₂, plasma was collected, and cortices and hippocampi were collected after PBS perfusion and stored at −80° C. Tissue samples were weighed and extracted with methanol. Plasma samples were extracted with cold acetonitrile. Quantitative analysis of drug concentrations in plasma and brain used internal standards spiked into plasma and brain homogenates before liquid extraction with acetonitrile or methanol, and separation and measurement was performed with LC-MS/MS tandem mass spectrometry. The supernatant (deproteinized) was analyzed by chemiluminescence with SIEVERS 280i nitric oxide analyzer.

Step through passive avoidance. All experiments were performed either on male C57Bl/6 mice or eNOS (−/−) animals. Scopolamine (1 mg/kg) or L-NAME (50 mg/kg) were injected (i.p.) 30 min prior to training, while SERMs (2 mg/kg) were injected 20 min prior to training. Mice were placed in the light compartment of the light/dark box, and as soon as they entered the dark compartment, they received an electric shock (0.5 mA, 60 Hz for 2 seconds). This training was repeated until latency to enter the dark side reached 300 s. At 24 h post-training, animals were individually placed in the light compartment and the latency to enter the dark compartment was recorded with a 300 s cutoff. Details of this widely used assay of behavior have been discussed previously for NO-donor compounds (51, 98, 99).

Aortic Ring Relaxation. Isolated rings of aortae from male Sprague-Dawley rats (250-300 g) were prepared for isometric tension measurements and were equilibrated for 1 h at an optimal resting tension of 10 mN. Tissues were contracted submaximally with 0.3 μM phenylepinephrine, and after 10-15 m cumulative concentration-response curves for SERMs (0.01-30 μM) were obtained. Some aortic ring preparations were denuded of the endothelium, or were treated with 100 μM L-NAME, prior to assessment of SERM-induced relaxation responses.

Anticoagulation.

SERMs were injected (i.p.) 1 h before blood collection, and L-NAME was injected (i.p.) 30 min before blood collection. The mouse was sedated by exposing it to CO₂ until unconscious and blood was collected in 4.5 mL BD Vacutainer Glass Evacuated Blood Collection Tubes (with 0.105 M buffered sodium citrate) by cardiac puncture. The blood samples were centrifuged at 300 g for 30 min to separate the plasma from the blood, and then 200 uL of plasma was taken from each sample and the PT and aPTT were measured using an ACL 7000 Coagulation Analyzer. The analyzer injects 125 μM of PT-fibrinogen (lyophilized rabbit brain calcium thromboplastin with stabilizers, polybrene, buffer and preservatives) to 75 μL of plasma sample to measure the PT, and 75 μL of synthAFAX (0.025 M)+100 μL of CaCl₂ (0.02 M) were added to 75 μL of plasma to measure aPTT. The analysis was at 37° C. using a photo sensor at λ=671 nm.

Example 2 Synthesis of an NO-SERM Retaining Nanomolar Binding Affinity for ER

Structural modification of DMA to introduce NO-donor properties, as detailed below, was accomplished without loss of ER binding. Ligand binding affinity was measured by competitive E₂ displacement as previously described (52). The IC₅₀ values for ERα and ERPβ measured for NO-DMA were 21.4±6.7 nM and 24.4±9.6 nM, respectively. For comparison, ERα IC₅₀ values of 21.0±2.7 nM, 7.8±1.9 nM, and 17±0.6 nM were measured for raloxifene, DMA, and F-DMA, respectively.

Example 3 Neuroprotection is Mediated Through GPR30 Receptor Activation, Independent of ERα and NOS

Previously, we have shown that the neuroprotective actions of raloxifene and DMA are GPR30-dependent and mediated via PI3K/Akt signaling (53). The oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD) assay was used as a composite model in primary neuronal culture of ischemia-reperfusion injury to determine if addition of NO-donor capacity to DMA altered the mechanism of action. Twenty-four hours after a 2 h glucose deprivation period, 100 nM NO-DMA was observed to elicit robust neuroprotection identical to DMA, as measured by MTT (FIG. 1) or LDH (data not shown) and normalized to estradiol (E2, 10 nM). Blockade of classical ERα signaling by ICI 182780 (100 nM) did not block this effect. However, both pertussis toxin (100 ng/mL), a GPR blocker, and G15 (100 nM), a selective GPR30 antagonist (54), blocked the neuroprotective activity of NO-DMA and DMA. LY294002 (10 μM), a selective PI3K inhibitor, was effective, whereas L-NAME (100 μM), a non-selective NOS antagonist, was ineffective in attenuating neuroprotective activity, supporting the hypothesis that NO-DMA signals through the PI3K/Akt pathway downstream of GPR30 in a manner similar to DMA. In this experimental model, signaling via NOS downstream of PI3/Akt is not indicated.

Example 4 LTP Restoration in an Alzheimer's Mouse Model is GPR30-Dependent

Long-term potentiation (LTP) in the CA1 field of the hippocampus is a well-studied cellular model for learning and memory. To measure the effect of DMA and NO-DMA in reversing deficits in synaptic plasticity, LTP was induced with a theta burst stimulation (TBS) protocol at Schaffer/commissural fiber synapses in the CA1 field of hippocampal slices from 16-month old male 3×Tg mice. These mice have been shown to have a marked deficit in LTP that becomes apparent at 6 months of age (55). At 16 months, an advanced age at which Alzheimer's-like neuropathology is well developed in these animals, studies on LTP have not previously been reported. We observed a robust, reproducible deficit in LTP in these aged transgenic mice, with field excitatory post-synaptic potentials (fEPSP) showing an end average potentiation of 97.0±6.4% of baseline at 45 min post-TBS, compared to 134.7±10.3% observed in the wild type (WT) controls (FIG. 2A,B). Addition of 100 nM DMA to the aCSF perfusate 30 min prior to induction of LTP resulted in significant reversal of the LTP deficit to an end average potentiation of 144.9±8.7% (FIG. 2A,B). NO-DMA (100 nM) had effects similar to DMA, with an average potentiation of 144.2±5.2% of baseline, with a trend towards increased potentiation over untreated transgenics seen immediately after TBS (FIG. 2A,B). Finally, addition of the GPR30 selective blocker G15 (100 nM) prevented the action of DMA, with end fEPSP approaching levels of untreated transgenics (96.8±7.10%), while having no effect on WT C57Bl/6 slices in the absence of DMA (FIG. 7), suggesting that the GPR30 receptor is critical for the LTP-enhancing effects of SERMs. Preliminary data also indicates that DMA activity is NOS-dependent (FIG. 9).

To determine if drugs enhanced LTP by altering physiological responses during LTP induction, such as NMDA receptor-mediated currents or downstream events involved in expression or stabilization, the postsynaptic responses to theta bursts were quantified as previously described (56, 57). The enhancement of subsequent bursts was augmented by DMA and NO-DMA but not by DMA+G15 (FIG. 2C), suggesting that SERMs may act, at least in part, by enhancing depolarization and NMDA receptor activity during TBS, in addition to downstream actions on the signaling events that lead to stabilization of the LTP response.

Example 5 eNOS-Dependent Vascular Relaxation is Retained by NO-SERM in the Absence of eNOS

The vasodilator activity of SERMs and NO-SERMs was assessed using isolated aortic ring preparations. All SERMs exhibited dose-dependent relaxation, with raloxifene and DMA showing efficacy approaching 100% relaxation (FIG. 3A). The following EC₅₀ values (mean, S.D.) were calculated but not found to be significantly different: FDMA, 2.4±1.2 μM; arzoxifene, 3.3±2.5 μM; DMA, 3.5±2.5 μM; raloxifene, 4.0±2.9 μM, suggesting equal potency as vasodilators for all SERMs studied. Removal of the endothelium or inhibition of NOS by L-NAME resulted in a significant decrease in the efficacy of DMA, indicating that the majority of the vasodilator activity of DMA is mediated through activation of eNOS (FIG. 3B). Thus, SERMs induce relaxation in the aortic ring model at low micromolar concentrations, dependent on intact eNOS/NO signaling. NO-DMA induced maximal relaxation in this model, with at least ten-fold increased potency (EC₅₀=130±90 nM) over DMA (FIG. 3C). The potency of NO-DMA was reduced in endothelium-denuded tissues (EC₅₀ value of 0.90±0.69 μM), and tissues treated with L-NAME (EC₅₀ value of 1.0±0.54 μM). NO-DMA was shown to have both endothelium-dependent and -independent vasodilatatory actions, mediated through eNOS and direct NO release.

Example 6 CNS Bioavailable SERMs Increase NO Levels Dependent Upon eNOS Activity

The brain and plasma bioavailability of DMA (5 mg/kg; i.p.) was measured in C57Bl/6 mice using LC/MS-MS detection. DMA showed substantial blood brain barrier permeability, with preferential retention in the hippocampus over the cortex (FIG. 8). Brain and plasma NO levels were assessed by measuring metabolic oxidation products, NO₂ ⁻ and NO₃ ⁻ (NO_(x)), using chemiluminescence detection. One hour after injection of 2 mg/kg DMA or NO-DMA, there was a greater than twofold elevation of NO_(x) in the hippocampus and plasma (FIG. 4). To assess the relative contribution of eNOS, DMA and NO-DMA were administered to eNOS (−/−) animals. In these animals, DMA had no effect on NO_(x) in plasma or hippocampus, whereas NO-DMA was found to increase NO_(x) significantly, in both hippocampus and plasma.

Example 7 SERMs Reverse Cholinergic Cognitive Deficits; NO-SERM Reverses the Deficit in eNOS KO Mice

To investigate the procognitive effects of SERMs and NO-DMA in an in vivo behavioral model of memory, step-through passive avoidance (STPA) was used in C57Bl/6 mice treated with scopolamine (1 mg/kg) 30 min prior to training. In this assay, memory is tested 24 h and 48 h after training and since drugs are only administered during training, any side effects of drugs, such as sedation are highly unlikely to confound the testing results. A high latency reflects a strong consolidated memory of the aversive stimulus. In scopolamine treated animals, all treatments (2 mg/kg, i.p., 20 min prior to training) except F-DMA and inorganic nitrate induced complete reversal of the memory deficit at 24 h after training (FIG. 5). NO-DMA showed equivalent restoration of protection to DMA. To isolate the procognitive effects due to NO release from NO-DMA, experiments were repeated after administration of L-NAME (50 mg/kg, 30 min prior to training) in place of scopolamine. L-NAME alone resulted in a cognitive deficit that was reversed only by NO-DMA. Similar results were observed in STPA after a scopolamine-induced deficit in eNOS KO mice, strongly implicating eNOS as mediating the procognitive mechanism of action of SERMs and demonstrating the ability of an NO-SERM to circumvent loss of eNOS activity.

Example 8 SERMs Act Through the Intrinsic Pathway; NO-SERM Activates Both Intrinsic and Extrinsic Anticoagulant Pathways

NO has been implicated in directly reducing clotting (28), therefore prothrombin (PT) and activated thromboplastin times (aPTT) were evaluated for DMA and NO-DMA. At 1 h, both DMA and NO-DMA significantly increased aPTT, and both increased PT, but only NO-DMA reached significance (FIG. 6). After 3 h, the effect of DMA had decreased to that of control samples, whereas the effect of NO-DMA remained significantly higher than control. To test the anticoagulant activity of compounds in models of impaired NOS function, mice injected with L-NAME (50 mg/kg, 30 m prior to collection) were administered DMA or NO-DMA (2 mg/kg, 1 h prior to collection), and only NO-DMA showed significant anticoagulation compared to control, with the increase in PT significantly higher than DMA.

Example 9 Summary of Examples 2-8

Although 2^(nd) generation selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) have overcome gynecological issues, the potential of estrogens in neuroprotective and procognitive therapy is limited by the risk of thrombotic events. The critical period hypothesis also posits an attenuated response to estrogens with age. The 3rd generation SERM, desmethylarzoxifene (DMA), was shown in hippocampal slices from older 3×Tg Alzheimer's transgenic mice to restore synaptic function with dependence on GPR30. Neuroprotection in primary rat neurons was also GPR30 dependent. DMA was brain bioavailable and reversed cholinergic cognitive deficits, however, DMA was not able to restore cognition in mice in which endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) was inhibited or deleted. A novel NO-donating SERM (NO-SERM) was designed and shown to be procognitive and neuroprotective even with NOS dysfunction: the NO-SERM restored cognition in eNOS (−/−) mice, restored LTP in 3×Tg hippocampal slices, and protected primary neurons against ischemia-reperfusion injury. The activation of eNOS underlies the cardiovascular benefits of estrogens and relaxation of aortic rings was induced by SERMs, although only NO-DMA retained efficacy in the absence of eNOS. Finally, in contrast to DMA, NO-DMA was shown to reduce thrombosis through both the intrinsic and extrinsic pathway, even when eNOS was inhibited. The NO-SERM retains the positive attributes of SERMs, without the thrombotic side effect, and can be of use in an aging population in which eNOS activity is attenuated.

Example 10 Discussion of Examples 2-8

Menopause has been associated with dementia, depression, and anxiety, and the management of such effects with safe and effective hormone therapies is a largely unmet need. Women entering menopause report memory and concentration difficulties (58, 59), and the age-adjusted AD mortality rate was shown to be 21.7% higher for women than for men (60). Estrogen replacement therapy has been reported to improve or maintain levels of cognitive function in postmenopausal women, and to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD), observations in accord with proposed roles for estrogen in the brain in protection, growth and differentiation of neurons (7, 61-63). However, adverse events associated with estrogen commend SERMs as an alternative approach. The beneficial effects of estrogen in the CNS, bone, and cardiovascular systems underlie the search for an ideal SERM that can preserve these beneficial effects while minimizing or antagonizing the potentially serious adverse effects of estrogens in sex organs.

The benzothiophene SERM, raloxifene, has demonstrated significant beneficial effects on bone and lipid profiles in postmenopausal women (17-19), with evidence suggesting that CNS and cardiac profiles remain positive (14, 23). Furthermore, raloxifene shows antiestrogenic activity in the breast and endometrium (20, 21). Clinical studies on raloxifene have shown positive signals on cognitive skills (18, 64-66), and procognitive and neuroprotective effects have been reported in female rats (67-69). However, raloxifene has also shown efficacy in male rats (70) and positive cognitive responses have been reported in elderly men (71, 72). The benzothiophene SERMs, raloxifene and DMA, have many characteristics of an ideal SERM of potential use in the CNS, in particular if thrombotic side effects can be abolished.

Relevant to design of an ideal SERM is the interplay between classical ER-mediated signaling and emerging mechanisms of rapid extranuclear signaling, such as via GPR30 (54, 73, 74). Associated with these signaling pathways, are important roles for NO in signaling via activation of eNOS through the PI3K/Akt pathway (25, 26). Estrogen and SERM induced neuroprotection has been reported to be mediated via rapid signaling, including regulation of intracellular Ca²⁺ and phosphorylation of ERK (75, 76). Extranuclear ER, linked to kinase signaling pathways, including PI3K/Akt and Src/ERK/CREB, has been shown to play a role in estrogenic neuroprotection (75, 77), providing direct links to anti-apoptotic mechanisms (78). Estradiol and DMA were observed to elicit neuroprotection in primary neurons subject to ischemia-reperfusion injury, with the novel observation that the actions of estrogen and SERMs were mediated via GPR30 linked to downstream PI3K/Akt, Src, and ERK pathways. This activity was retained by NO-DMA, a NO-SERM that is itself a potent antiestrogen; although neuroprotection in this model system was independent of NOS.

To extend observations on neuronal rescue by SERMs and NO-SERM to a model system for synaptic rescue, the 3×Tg Alzheimer's mouse model was used. These mice represent a more complete model of the disease than some other strains, with progressive production of AP3 in relevant brain areas, plaque and tangle pathology similar to those observed in AD patients, and synaptic transmission and LTP impairment at 6 months of age (55, 79). We chose to study synaptic function in 3×Tg mice at 16 months, representing a model of aging, combined with substantial Aβ and tau neuropathology. Gratifyingly, DMA was observed to restore synaptic deficits, measured by LTP in 3×Tg hippocampal slices; and this activity was again dependent upon GPR30 and retained by NO-DMA.

Relaxation of blood vessels by estrogens and SERMs is mediated by endothelium-independent and -dependent mechanisms, the latter involving activation of eNOS. ER isoforms and GPR30 have been implicated in these actions (80). The vascular effects of raloxifene have been well established in conduit arteries, and recently in resistance arteries (81), supporting therapeutic benefit in preserving endothelial function. Raloxifene was first reported to induce vasodilation by an ER and eNOS-dependent pathway (82), and subsequently shown to activate eNOS via PI3K/Akt (26). In rat aorta, vasodilation was observed in response to all benzothiophene SERMs tested. Relaxation induced by DMA was largely endothelium and eNOS-dependent, whereas NO-DMA retained equivalent potency to DMA even in the absence of endothelium and eNOS.

Cholinergic deficits are the basis of current symptomatic therapy of AD (83). The roles that cholinergic dysfunction may play in early AD and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) have recently been reviewed (84). Amnestic MCI is a putative prodromal stage of Alzheimer's disease and chemical amnesia has frequently been induced in man and animal models in drug discovery and development using cholinergic blockade with scopolamine (85). Benzothiophene SERMs, raloxifene, arzoxifene, and DMA restored the cognitive deficit induced in mice by scopolamine. The concerted actions of eNOS and nNOS are required for normal LTP in the hippocampus, and in tissues from knockout mice, exogenous NO can replace NOS function (38). Therefore, given observations on SERMs and NO-SERM in the vasculature, the use of both NOS inhibition and eNOS (KO) mice was indicated to test the efficacy of DMA and NO-DMA. The procognitive mechanism of action of DMA was identified as being eNOS-dependent; NO-DMA was observed to retain procognitive actions in both paradigms of eNOS-challenge.

The known endothelial dysfunction associated with aging, the decreased expression of eNOS in postmenopausal women, and the potential contribution of eNOS to the critical period hypothesis, commend the further study of therapeutic approaches that reinforce NO/cGMP signaling in combination with ER modulation. Other contributions to age-related pathophysiology, in addition to attenuated eNOS expression, have been proposed, including: inhibition of eNOS by elevation of ADMA (86, 87); depletion of cofactors, notably BH4(88-90); and eNOS polymorphisms (91). Attenuation of NO-dependent cGMP production by soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) has also been linked directly with Aβ. (92) The NO-SERM approach is informative, however, related approaches to combinatorial activation of (1) estrogenic signaling and (2) NO/cGMP signaling are also endorsed (27, 93).

In summary, a prototype NO-SERM was designed and demonstrated to retain the ER binding and classical ERα antagonist actions of the parent SERM, and to provide neuroprotection and synaptic restoration in an AD model, dependent upon GPR30. Against a cholinergic cognitive deficit in mice, neuroprotective SERMs restored memory, however, this procognitive effect was lost when eNOS activity was blocked or absent. The NO-SERM restored cognition after cholinergic insult in eNOS (−/−) mice and NO levels measured after SERM and NO-SERM treatment were compatible with the central role of NO signaling. In AD in particular, a role is emerging for NO in treating cholinergic deficits (49) and attenuating amyloidogenesis (94, 95).

From a therapeutic perspective, the known endothelial dysfunction associated with aging, the decreased expression of eNOS in postmenopausal women, and the potential contribution of eNOS to the critical period hypothesis, commend the further study of NO-SERMs. Related approaches to combinatorial activation of (1) estrogenic signaling and (2) NO/cGMP signaling are also endorsed (27, 89). The ability of an NO-SERM to reduce coagulation by increasing both PT and aPTT to levels comparable to those of clinical anticoagulants, suggests that this approach can also address the risk of thromobosis associated with SERM therapeutics. These findings, coupled with the otherwise excellent safety record of raloxifene in the clinic, support further development of NO-SERMs or combination therapies for AD and other neurodegenerative disorders in the post-menopausal cohort, and suggest utility for this approach in the general population.

Example 11 Synthesis of NO-DMA compound 8 (i.e., 3-(1-(2-(4-(6-hydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)benzo[b] thiophen-3-yloxy)phenoxy)ethyl)piperidin-4-yl)propyl nitrate)

¹H and ¹³C NMR spectra were obtained with Bruker Ultrashield 400 MHz and Advance 300 MHz spectrometers. Chemical shifts are reported as δ values in parts per million (ppm) relative to tetramethylsilane (TMS) for all recorded NMR spectra. All reagents and solvents were obtained commercially from Acros, Aldrich, and Fluka and were used without purification.

Starting material 1 was synthesized from commercial available 6-methoxy-2-(4-methoxy phenyl)benzo[b]thiophene according to a published method in 6 steps (53). Demethylation of 4 gave complex mixture, might be due to the incompatibility of Lewis acid with organic nitrate. NO-DMA 8 was obtained by the reaction of 5 with silver nitrate in low yield (method A); or by using tetrabutyl ammonium nitrate as nitration reagent, the yield was improved dramatically, but the method suffered from repetitive column purifications to remove ammonium salt (method B); alternatively, the phenol groups of 5 were acetylated and the bromide 6 was converted nitrate 7 using silver salt, 8 was finally obtained with good purity by de-acetylation of 7 in high yield (method C).

Compound 2.

Compound 1 (2.6 g, 5.3 mmol), 4-piperidinepropanol (1.0 g, 6.9 mmol) were dissolved in anhydrous acetonitrile (100 mL) and anhydrous K₂CO₃ (2.9 g, 21.5 mmol) was added. The reaction mixture was refluxed for 6 hrs and cooled to room temperature. After filtration, solvent was removed, the residue was dissolved in DCM (150 mL) and washed with water (2×50 mL). Organic phase separated and concentrated. The residue was purified by column chromatography (DCM/MeOH 20:1, 2.9 g, quantitative yield). ¹H-NMR (Acetone-d₆, 400 MHz): δ 7.66-7.69 (m, 2H), 7.42 (d, 1H, J=2.0 Hz), 7.24 (d, 1H, J=8.8 Hz), 6.81-6.93 (m, 7H), 3.97 (t, 2H, J=6.0 Hz), 3.84 (s, 3H), 3.76 (s, 3H), 3.51 (t, 2H, J=6.4 Hz), 2.88-2.91 (m, 2H), 2.63 (t, 2H, J=6.0 Hz), 1.95-2.01 (m, 2H), 1.60-1.62 (m, 2H), 1.46-1.53 (m, 2H), 1.21-1.27 (m, 5H); ¹³C-NMR (Acetone-d₆, 100 MHz): 160.23, 159.01, 155.19, 152.34, 140.57, 137.56, 129.32, 128.77, 127.06, 125.78, 122.64, 116.95, 116.26, 115.28, 115.05, 106.36, 67.30, 62.64, 58.28, 55.90, 55.52, 55.13, 36.32, 33.62, 33.31, 30.90.

Compound 3.

Compound 2 (1.1 g, 2.0 mmol) was dissolved in chloroform (25 mL), CBr₄ (2.7 g, 8.0 mmol) and polymer bound Ph₃P (2.6 g, about 3 mmol/g) were added, the reaction mixture was stirred at r.t. overnight. After filtration, solvent was removed, and the residue was purified by column chromatography (DCM/AcOEt/MeOH 3:1:0.2, 1.1 g, 89%). ¹H-NMR (Acetone-d₆, 400 MHz): 7.68-7.72 (m, 2H), 7.46 (d, 1H, J=2.0 Hz), 7.25 (d, 1H, J=8.8 Hz), 6.84-6.97 (m, 7H), 4.00 (t, 2H, J=6.0 Hz), 3.87 (s, 3H), 3.80 (s, 3H), 3.47 (s, 2H, J=6.8 Hz), 2.91-2.94 (m, 2H), 2.67 (t, 2H, J=6.0 Hz), 1.99-2.04 (m, 2H), 1.82-1.89 (m, 2H), 1.62-1.65 (m, 2H), 1.32-1.37 (m, 2H), 1.15-1.24 (m, 3H); 6 ¹³C-NMR (Acetone-d₆, 100 MHz): 160.35, 159.12, 155.29, 152.43, 140.64, 137.63, 129.38, 128.82, 127.10, 125.63, 122.68, 117.00, 116.36, 115.37, 115.12, 106.43, 67.43, 58.30, 55.96, 55.58, 55.06, 35.83, 35.78, 34.98, 33.22, 30.98.

Compound 4.

Compound 3 (110 mg, 0.18 mmol) was dissolved in anhydrous acetonitrile (3 mL), AgNO₃ (306 mg, 1.8 mmol) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred at r.t. for 24 h. Solvent was removed and the residue was purified by column chromatography (DCM/AcOEt/MeOH 2:1:0.25, 85 mg, 79%). ¹H-NMR (Acetone-d₆, 400 MHz): δ 7.66-7.72 (m, 2H), 7.43 (d, 1H, J=2.0 Hz), 7.25 (d, 1H, J=8.8 Hz), 6.82-6.95 (m, 7H), 4.49 (t, 2H, J=6.8 Hz), 3.98 (t, 2H, J=6.0 Hz), 3.85 (s, 3H), 3.77 (s, 3H), 2.89-2.92 (m, 2H), 2.64 (t, 2H, J=2.0 Hz), 1.97-2.02 (m, 2H), 1.67-1.73 (m, 2H), 1.61-1.64 (m, 2H), 1.13-1.34 (m, 5H); ¹³C-NMR (Acetone-d₆, 100 MHz): δ 160.30, 159.07, 155.25, 152.39, 140.62, 137.61, 129.36, 128.81, 127.09, 125.62, 122.67, 116.99, 116.32, 115.32, 115.09, 106.41, 74.69, 67.40, 58.27, 55.94, 55.56, 54.99, 36.03, 33.09, 24.64.

Compound 5.

Compound 3 (240 mg, 0.39 mmol) was dissolved in DCM (5 mL), HCl ether solution (2.0M, 1.0 mL) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred at 4° C. for 2 hr. Solvent was removed, the residue was re-dissolved in DCM (10 mL), cooled in an ice-water bath, BBr₃ in DCM (1.0 M, 1 mL) was added dropwise. The reaction mixture was stirred at 4° C. for 3 hr and then at r.t. for another hour. The reaction mixture was poured into ice water (50 mL), neutralized with NaHCO₃ and extracted with AcOEt (3×30 mL). Organic solution was combined and concentrated, the residue was purified by column chromatography (DCM/MeOH 50:3, 160 mg, 70%). ¹H-NMR (Acetone-d₆, 400 MHz): δ 7.59-7.62 (m, 2H), 7.32 (d, 1H, J=2.0 Hz), 7.19 (d, 1H, J=8.8 Hz), 6.83-6.89 (m, 7H), 4.06 (t, 2H, J=5.9 Hz), 3.47 (t, 2H, J=6.7 Hz), 3.01-3.04 (m, 2H), 2.77 (t, 2H, J=5.9 Hz), 2.11-2.17 (m, 2H), 1.82-1.90 (m, 2H), 1.65-1.67 (m, 2H), 1.22-1.38 (m, 5H); ¹³C-NMR (Acetone-d₆, 100 MHz): δ 158.14, 156.63, 154.99, 152.52, 140.31, 137.46, 129.41, 128.06, 126.60, 124.59, 122.67, 116.97, 116.54, 116.30, 115.64, 108.79, 66.85, 58.04, 54.83, 35.61, 35.52, 34.95, 32.68, 30.90.

Compound 6.

Compound 5 (300 mg, 0.52 mmol) was dissolved in DCM (10 mL), pyridine (0.84 mL, 10.3 mmol) and Ac₂O (0.34 mL, 3.6 mmol) were added, the reaction mixture was stirred at r.t. overnight. Solvent was removed, the residue was re-dissolved in ethyl acetate (50 mL) and washed with water, organic solution was separated and concentrated, the residue was purified by column chromatography, product was obtained as slightly yellow foam (DCM/MeOH 30:1, 298 mg, 87%). ¹H-NMR (Acetone-d₆, 400 MHz): δ 7.83 (d, 2H, J=8.4 Hz), 7.74 (d, 1H, J=2.0 Hz), 7.40 (d, 1H, J=8.8 Hz), 7.19 (d, 2H, J=8.8 Hz), 7.10 (dd, 1H, J=8.8 Hz, 2.0 Hz), 6.86-6.93 (m, 4H), 4.05 (t, 2H, J=6.0 Hz), 3.47 (t, 2H, J=6.8 Hz), 2.95-2.98 (m, 2H), 2.71 (t, 2H, J=6.0 Hz), 2.29 (s, 3H), 2.26 (s, 3H), 2.06-2.11 (m, 2H), 1.82-1.89 (m, 2H), 1.64-1.66 (m, 2H), 1.32-1.38 (m, 2H), 1.20-1.28 (m, 3H); ¹³C-NMR (Acetone-d₆, 100 MHz): 169.75, 169.46, 155.42, 152.20, 151.79, 149.90, 141.64, 136.84, 132.49, 130.24, 129.33, 129.24, 123.25, 122.81, 120.61, 117.13, 116.89, 116.46, 67.17, 58.12, 54.93, 35.69, 35.66, 34.98, 32.96, 30.94, 20.93.

Compound 7.

Compound 6 (280 mg, 0.45 mmol) was dissolved in anhydrous acetonitrile (15 mL), AgNO₃ (1.1 g, 1.8 mmol) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred at r.t. for 24 h. After filtration, solvent was removed and the residue was purified by column chromatography, product was obtained as slightly yellow foam (DCM/MeOH 30:1, 190 mg, 70%). ¹H-NMR (Acetone-d₆, 400 MHz): δ ¹H-NMR (Acetone-d₆, 400 MHz): δ 7.81 (d, 2H, J=8.8 Hz), 7.71 (d, 1H, J=2.0 Hz), 7.38 (d, 1H, J=8.8 Hz), 7.17 (d, 2H, J=8.8 Hz), 7.08 (dd, 1H, J=8.8 Hz, 2.0 Hz), 6.82-6.92 (m, 4H), 4.48 (t, 2H, J=6.8 Hz), 4.00 (t, 2H, J=6.0 Hz), 2.92-2.95 (m, 2H), 2.68 (t, 2H, J=6.0 Hz), 2.27 (s, 3H), 2.24 (s, 3H), 2.02-2.04 (m, 2H), 1.61-1.74 (m, 4H), 1.16-1.31 (m, 5H); ¹³C-NMR (Acetone-d₆, 100 MHz): δ 169.69, 169.41, 155.34, 152.12, 151.70, 149.82, 141.58, 136.77, 132.44, 130.19, 129.25, 129.19, 123.18, 122.77, 120.53, 117.08, 116.82, 116.38, 74.65, 67.09. 58.07, 54.85, 35.83, 32.96, 32.79, 24.58, 20.93.

Compound 8.

Method A: Compound 5 (55 mg, 0.095 mmol) was dissolved in anhydrous acetonitrile (2 mL), AgNO₃ (160 mg, 0.95 mmol) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred at r.t. overnight. After filtration, solvent was removed and the residue was purified by column chromatography (DCM/AcOEt/MeOH 3:1:0.3), product was obtained as white foam (15 mg, 28%). Method B: Compound 5 (100 mg, 0.17 mmol) was dissolved in anhydrous acetonitrile (5 mL), tetrabutylammonium nitrate (523 mg, 1.7 mmol) was added. The reaction mixture was heated at 70° C. for 8 hrs. Solvent was removed and the residue was purified repeatedly by column chromatography (DCM/AcOEt/MeOH 3:1:0.3) three times, product was obtained as white foam (68 mg, 70%). Method C: Compound 7 (130 mg, 0.2 mmol) was dissolved in a mixture of THF-MeOH—H₂O (4.5 mL, 2:2:0.5), K₂CO₃ (79 mg, 0.58 mmol) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred at r.t. for 1.5 hr. After filtration and concentration, the residue was purified by column chromatography (DCM/MeOH 20:1), product was obtained as white foam (103 mg, 91%). ¹H-NMR (Acetone-d₆, 400 MHz): δ 7.60 (d, 2H, J=8.8 Hz), 7.31 (d, 1H, J=2.0 Hz), 7.19 (d, 1H, J=8.8 Hz), 6.84-6.90 (m, 7H), 4.53 (t, 2H, J=6.7 Hz), 4.03 (t, 2H, J=5.9 Hz), 2.95-2.98 (m, 2H), 2.70 (t, 2H, J=5.9 Hz), 1.98-2.04 (m, 2H), 1.73-1.77 (m, 2H), 1.66-1.69 (m, 2H), 1.19-1.35 (m, 5H); ¹³C-NMR (Acetone-d₆, 100 MHz): δ 158.14, 156.62, 155.11, 152.50, 140.36, 137.49, 129.43, 128.12, 126.63, 124.64, 122.71, 116.98, 116.56, 116.29, 115.47, 108.81, 74.69, 67.12, 58.21, 54.93, 35.94, 33.03, 32.86, 24.63.

Example 12 Synthesis of NO-SERM 13 and 14

Compound 9.

4′Br-DMA (75 mg, 0.14 mmol) was dissolved in a mixture THF (4 mL) and DIPEA (347 μL, 2.1 mmol), MOM-Br (16 μL, 0.17 mmol) was added. The reaction mixture was refluxed for 5 hrs. Most of the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The residue was dissolved in DCM and washed with aqueous NaHCO₃ and brine. Organic phase separated and concentrated. The residue was purified by column chromatography (DCM/MeOH 20:1), product was obtained as oil (55 mg, 68%). ¹H-NMR (Acetone-d₆, 400 MHz): δ 7.70 (d, 2H, J=8.8 Hz), 7.58 (d, 1H, J=2.0 Hz), 7.55 (d, 2H, J=8.4 Hz), 7.30 (d, 1H, J=8.8 Hz), 7.02 (dd, 1H, J=8.8 Hz, 2.0 Hz), 6.83-6.90 (m, 4H), 5.26 (s, 2H), 3.99 (t, 2H, J=6.0 Hz), 3.45 (s, 3H), 2.64 (t, 2H), 2.44 (broad peak, 4H), 1.48-1.54 (m, 4H), 1.38-1.41 (m, 2H); ¹³C-NMR (Acetone-d₆, 100 MHz): 155.89, 155.43, 152.08, 142.33, 137.78, 132.76, 132.33, 129.76, 129.33, 126.21, 123.20, 122.08, 117.12, 116.79, 116.37, 109.73, 95.35, 67.25, 58.60, 56.16, 55.59, 26.70, 24.93.

Compound 10.

A round bottom flask was charged with compound 9 (50 mg, 0.088 mmol), Pd₂dba₃ (4.1 mg, 5 mol %), KOH (20.1 mg, 4 equiv.), ligand 2-Di-tert-butylphosphino-2′,4′,6′-triisopropylbiphenyl (4.2 mg, 10% mol) and filled with argon. A mixture of 1,4-dioxane (2 mL) and H₂O (1 mL) was added. The reaction was stirred at 80° C. for 6 hrs. Most of the solvent was removed and directly purified by column chromatography (DCM/MeOH 50:3 with 0.1% acetic acid), product was obtained as acid salt (45 mg, 90%). ¹H-NMR (Acetone-d₆, 400 MHz): δ 7.60 (d, 2H, J=8.8 Hz), 7.56 (d, 1H, J=2.0 Hz), 7.26 (d, 1H, J=8.8 Hz), 7.01 (dd, 1H, J=2.0 Hz, 8.8 Hz), 6.83-6.89 (m, 6H), 5.26 (s, 2H), 4.18 (t, 2H, J=5.6 Hz), 3.45 (s, 3H), 3.02 (t, 2H, J=5.6 Hz), 2.84 (broad peak, 4H), 1.94 (s, 3H), 1.65-1.70 (m, 4H), 1.48-1.50 (m, 2H); ¹³C-NMR (Acetone-d₆, 100 MHz): 172.86, 158.54, 156.36, 154.66, 152.66, 140.08, 137.09, 129.79, 129.55, 128.31, 124.24, 122.52, 117.02, 116.64, 116.47, 116.43, 109.84, 95.42, 65.64, 57.54, 56.10, 54.79, 25.18, 23.77, 20.96.

Compound 12.

Compound 10 (40 mg, 0.07 mmol) was dissolved in DCM (20 mL) and washed with saturated NaHCO₃ (2×10 mL), organic phase was separated, concentrated and dried under high vacuum for 1 hr. The residue was dissolved in DCM (2 mL), DIPEA (116 μL, 0.7 mmol), DMAP (8.5 mg, 0.07 mmol), compound 11 (16.9 mg, 0.1 mmol) and EDCI (27 mg, 0.14 mmol) were added successively. The reaction mixture was stirred at r.t. for 3 hrs, diluted with DCM (20 mL), washed with aqueous NaHCO₃ (10 mL) and H₂O (10 mL), organic phase separated and concentrated. The residue was purified by column chromatography (ethyl acetate/MeOH 30:1), product was obtained as slightly yellow oil (30 mg, 65%). ¹H-NMR (Acetone-d₆, 400 MHz): δ 7.81-7.83 (m, 2H), 7.60 (d, 1H, J=2.0 Hz), 7.31 (d, 1H, J=8.8 Hz), 7.18-7.21 (m, 2H), 7.03 (dd, 1H, J=8.8 Hz, 2.0 Hz), 6.84-6.92 (m, 4H), 5.27 (s, 2H), 4.86 (s, 2H), 4.00 (t, 2H, J=6.0 Hz), 3.46 (s, 3H), 2.65 (t, 2H, J=6.0 Hz), 2.45 (broad peak, 4H), 1.58-1.61 (m, 2H), 1.49-1.54 (m, 4H), 1.35-1.40 (m, 4H); ¹³C-NMR (Acetone-d₆, 100 MHz): 171.46, 156.82, 155.43, 152.23, 151.15, 141.89, 137.74, 130.92, 129.45, 129.12, 126.70, 123.10, 123.01, 117.10, 116.75, 116.38, 109.78, 95.39, 76.53, 67.31, 58.66, 56.15, 55.65, 26.76, 24.98, 22.35, 15.36.

Compound 13.

Compound 12 (30 mg, 0.046 mmol) was dissolved in a mixture of DCM (2 mL) and EtOH (0.5 mL), TsOH.H₂O (20 mg, 0.11 mmol) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred at 40° C. until all the starting material was consumed. After dilution with DCM (25 mL) and washed with saturated NaHCO₃ (2×5 mL), organic phase was separated and concentrated. The residue was purified by column chromatography (DCM/MeOH 25:2), product was obtained as slightly yellow foam (16 mg, 58%). ¹H-NMR (THF-ds, 400 MHz): δ 7.43 (d, 2H, J=8.8 Hz), 7.15-7.17 (m, 2H), 7.08 (d, 2H, J=8.8 Hz), 6.85 (d, 2H, J=9.2 Hz), 6.78 (d, 2H, J=9.2 Hz), 6.73 (dd, 1H, J=2.0 Hz, 8.8 Hz), 4.76 (s, 2H), 4.00 (t, 2H, J=6.0 Hz), 2.70 (t, 2H, J=6.0 Hz), 2.51 (broad peak, 4H), 1.51-1.59 (m, 6H), 1.38-1.43 (m, 4H); ¹³C-NMR (THF-ds, 100 MHz): 171.04, 157.50, 155.36, 152.52, 150.98, 142.16, 138.22, 131.34, 128.83, 127.76, 125.04, 123.19, 122.62, 117.02, 116.21, 115.57, 108.61, 76.32, 68.22, 58.68, 55.76, 26.72, 24.92, 22.44, 15.19.

Compound 14.

4′FDMA (155 mg, 0.33 mmol), DIPEA (330 μL, 2.0 mmol), DMAP (30 mg, 0.25 mmol), compound 14 (82 mg, 0.51 mmol) were dissolved in DCM (5 mL), EDCI (134 mg, 0.7 mmol) was added to this solution. The reaction was stirred at r.t. overnight. Reaction mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate (50 mL), washed with water and concentrated, the residue was purified by column chromatography (DCM/MeOH 25:1), product was obtained as white foam (151 mg, 74%). ¹H-NMR (Acetone-d₆, 400 MHz): δ 7.82-7.85 (m, 2H), 7.78 (d, 1H, J=1.6 Hz), 7.41 (d, 1H, J=8.8 Hz), 7.18-7.23 (m, 2H), 7.13 (dd, 1H, J=8.4 Hz, 2.0 Hz), 6.85-6.92 (m, 4H), 4.89 (s, 2H), 4.03 (t, 2H, J=6.0 Hz), 2.69 (t, 2H, J=6.0 Hz), 2.49 (broad peak, 4H), 1.62-1.65 (m, 2H), 1.50-1.55 (m, 4H), 1.38-1.41 (m, 4H); ¹³C-NMR (Acetone-d₆, 100 MHz): δ 171.73, 164.54, 162.09, 155.46, 152.17, 149.59, 141.51, 136.81, 132.65, (130.51, 130.43), (129.19, 129.16), 122.88, 120.38, 117.11, 116.83, 116.61, 116.46, 76.54, 67.16, 58.53, 55.56, 26.59, 24.84, 22.40, 15.43.

Example 13 Pharmacokinetics of SEMs in Mice

SEM prodrugs have been prepared using standard, scalable organic chemistry techniques. SEMs with antithrombotic properties will be prepared using the strategy described above for NO-SERMs (e.g., compounds 8, 13, and 14). Metabolic stability will be verified in human liver and human intestinal microsomal incubations, and plasma, with or without esterase (PLE). SEMs with high stability, minimal oxidative metabolites, and efficient enzymic bioactivation to TTC-352 [i.e., 3-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenoxy)benzo[b]thiophen-6-ol]will be advanced to pharmacokinetic studies.

Ovariectomized (OVX) nude 4- to 6-week-old athymic mice will be administered TTC-352 and no more than 3 SEM prodrugs and/or NO-SEMs by gavage in ethanol using a vehicle of propylene glycol/carboxymethyl cellulose at a single dose of 4.4 μmol (equivalent to 1.5 mg/day used in xenograft studies). Blood samples will be collected at 20 min, 2 h, and 6 h after treatment, using EDTA as an anticoagulant. Plasma will be separated from whole blood by centrifugation at 4° C. and samples will be immediately analyzed for prodrug and drug using LC-MS/MS.

Example 14 Efficacy of SEM Prodrugs and NO-SEMs on TAM-Resistant Xenograft Tumor Growth

T47D-Taml and T47D/PKCα xenograft tumor models will be used to assess the efficacy of 2 SEM treatments at 2 doses (4.4 μmol and 0.44 μmol/day, based upon data shown in FIG. 11). Tumors will be grown in OVX athymic mice and treated once tumor volume reaches approximately 0.5 cm². The response to SEMs and/or NO-SEMs will be compared to the standard of care (e.g., tamoxifen).

Example 15 Mechanism of Action Confirmation

For tumors treated by SEMs and/or NO-SEMs, PKCα, and ER biomarkers will be assessed by immunohistochemistry. Anticoagulant activity will be measured ex vivo.

It is understood that the foregoing detailed description and accompanying examples are merely illustrative and are not to be taken as limitations upon the scope of the invention, which is defined solely by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Various changes and modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications, including without limitation those relating to the chemical structures, substituents, derivatives, intermediates, syntheses, compositions, formulations, or methods of use of the invention, may be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.

Example 16 Synthesis of a Compound of Formula (I)

A compound of formula (I), wherein A₁ is halogen, A₂ is —OR₂, R₂ is hydrogen, X₁ is —O—, A₃ is aryl, and A₄ is —OR₃, wherein R₃ is described above, may be prepared according to the methods illustrated in Scheme 1, 2 or 3.

A compound of formula (Ic) or formula (II) may be prepared according to the methods illustrated in Scheme 4, 5, or 6.

The compound 3-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenoxy)benzo[b]thiophen-6-ol (TTC-352) can be prepared as described above in Scheme 7 and the following examples.

1-(4-Fluorophenyl)-2-(3-methoxyphenylsulfanyl)ethanone

3-Methoxybenzenethiol (1 g, 7.1 mmol) was added in one portion to a freshly prepared solution of 7.5 mL of ethanol, 3 mL of water, and 470 mg of KOH (8.4 mmol). The solution was cooled to 5-10° C. A solution of 2-bromo-1-(4-fluorophenyl)ethanone (1.54 g, 7.1 mmol) in 2.5 mL of EtOAc was added to this solution at a rate such that the temperature did not exceed 25° C., and the reaction mixture was allowed to stir overnight at room temperature. The solvents were removed under reduced pressure, and the residue was partitioned between water and ethyl acetate. The aqueous layer was isolated and extracted several times with ethyl acetate, and the combined extracts were washed with consecutive portions of 10% HCl, water, saturated NaHCO3, and water before being dried over anhydrous Na2SO4. After concentration in vacuo to an oil, the crude product was purified by flash chromatography [SiO2, hexane/ethyl acetate (10:1, v/v)] to give 1.4 g (74%) desired product. 1H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ3.73 (s, 3H), 4.67 (s, 3H), 6.75 (m, 1H), 6.91 (m, 2H), 7.18 (t, J) 8.2 Hz, 1H), 7.34 (t, J) 8.9 Hz, 2H), 8.12 (q, J) 8.9 Hz, 2H).

3-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-methoxybenzo[b]thiophene

A flask was charged with 1-(4-Fluorophenyl)-2-(3-methoxyphenylsulfanyl)ethanone and BF₃.OEt₂ under Argon atmosphere at room temperature. The reaction mixture was stirred until starting material was consumed as monitored by TLC. The reaction mixture was poured into saturated NaHCO₃/ice water, stirred 30 min, and extracted with dichloromethane. The crude product was purified by flash chromatography [SiO2, hexane/dichloromethane (20:1, v/v)]. The combined fractions from column was recrystalized to get 50% pure product. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ (ppm) 3.89 (s, 3H), 7.02 (dd, 8.9 Hz, 2.2 Hz 1H), 7.15 (m, 3H), 7.37 (d, 2.2 Hz 1H), 7.52 (m, 2H), 7.71 (d, 8.9 Hz, 1H), ¹³C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃) δ (ppm) 55.62, 105.24, 114.52, 115.50, 115.71, 120.67, 123.30, 130.09, 130.17, 131.96, 132.17, 136.62, 142.07, 157.56, 162.31.

2-bromo-3-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-methoxybenzo[b]thiophene

N-Bromoacetamide (1.46 g, 10.5 mmol) in 10 mL of ethanol was added dropwise to a solution of 3-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-methoxybenzo[b]thiophene (2.58 g, 10 mmol) in 300 mL of CH₂Cl₂ and 20 mL of ethanol at room temperature. After the mixture was stirred for 1 h, the solvent was removed in vacuo. Next, the residue was titrated with ethanol and filtered to give 3.0 g (89%) of desired product. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ (ppm) 3.898 (s, 3H), 6.94 (dd, 8.9 Hz, 2.3 Hz 1H), 7.24 (m, 3H), 7.38 (d, 8.9 Hz 1H), 7.45 (m, 2H)), ¹³C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃) δ (ppm) 55.27, 104.1, 109.47, 114.20, 115.14, 115.36, 122.99, 129.57, 131.23, 131.31, 132.29, 135.28, 140.61, 157.36, 162.05.

2-bromo-3-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-methoxybenzo[b]thiophene 1-oxide

Trifluoacetic acid (13 mL) was added dropwise to a solution of 2-bromo-3-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-methoxybenzo[b]thiophene (2.4 g, 7 mmol) in 13 mL of anhydrous CH₂Cl₂. After the mixture was stirred for 5 min, H₂O₂(1.0 mL, 7 mmol, 30% aqueous solution) was added dropwise, and the resulting mixture was stirred for 2 h at room temperature. Sodium bisulfite (0.3 g) was added to the solution followed by 5 mL of water. The mixture was stirred vigorously for 30 min and then concentrated in vacuo. The residue was partitioned between CH₂Cl₂ and saturated aqueous NaHCO₃ solution (50 mL each). The layers were separated, and the organic layer was washed with consecutive portions of water, saturated NaHCO₃, and water, and then dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and concentrated in vacuo; the residue was titrated with diethylether and filtered to give 2.1 g (84%) of desired product.

3-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-methoxy-2-(4-methoxyphenoxy)benzo[b]thiophene 1-oxide

NaH (237 mg, 9.9 mmol, 60% dispersion in mineral oil) was added to a solution of 4-methoxyphenol (1.31 g, 59 mmol) in 25 mL of anhydrous DMF at room temperature. After the mixture was stirred for 15 min, 2-bromo-3-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-methoxybenzo[b]thiophene 1-oxide (2 g, 5.7 mmol) was added in small portions. After the mixture was stirred for 1 h, ethyl acetate and water were added, and the organic layer was washed several times with water and then dried over Na₂SO₄. The residue was titrated with hexane/ethyl acetate (10:1, v/v) and filtered to yield 2.47 g (89%) of desired product.

3-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-methoxy-2-(4-methoxyphenoxy)benzo[b]thiophene

LiAlH₄ (0.27 g, 7.2 mmol) was added in small portions to a solution of 3-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-methoxy-2-(4-methoxyphenoxy)benzo[b]thiophene 1-oxide (2.37 g, 4.8 mmol) in 180 mL of anhydrous THF under argon at 0° C. After the mixture was stirred for 30 min, the reaction was quenched by the slow addition of 4 mL of 2.0 MNaOH. The mixture was stirred vigorously for 30 min, and a minimal amount of 2.0 M NaOH was added to dissolve salts. The mixture was then partitioned between water and ethanol/ethyl acetate (1:9, v/v). The aqueous layer was isolated and then extracted several times with ethanol/ethyl acetate (1:9, v/v). The organic layers were combined, dried over anhydrous Na2SO4,concentrated in vacuo to an oil, and then purified by flash chromatography to give 1.2 g (67%) of desired product.

3-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenoxy)benzo[b]thiophen-6-ol (TTC-352)

3-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-methoxy-2-(4-methoxyphenoxy)benzo[b]thiophene (1.5 g, 2.9 mmol) was dissolved in 150 mL of anhydrous CH2Cl2 and cooled to 0° C. BBr₃ (1.0 M in CH2Cl2, 11.6 mL, 11.6 mmol) was added to this solution followed by stirring at 0° C. for 4 h. The reaction was quenched by saturated NaHCO3 (100 mL) and cooled to 0° C. The aqueous layer was isolated and extracted with methanol/ethyl acetate (5:95, v/v) (3_100 mL). The organic extracts were combined, dried over anhydrous Na2SO4, concentrated in vacuo, and then purified by flash chromatography [SiO2, CH2Cl2/MeOH (8:1, v/v)] to obtain 1.1 g (75%) desired product. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, acetone d6) δ (ppm) 6.84 (m, 2H), 6.97 (dd, 8.9 Hz, 2.2 Hz, 1H), 7.02 (m, 2H), 7.24 (m, 2H)), 7.28 (d, 2.2 Hz, 1H), 7.47 (d, 8.9 Hz, 1H), 7.61 (m, 2H)¹³C NMR (100 MHz acetone d6) δ (ppm) 162.84, 155.94, 155.02, 153.81, 152.35, 135.21, 132.28, 132.20, 130.90, 130.32, 123.70, 120.81, 119.67, 119.66, 116.95, 116.95, 116.39, 116.17, 115.52, 109.00.

4-((3-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-methoxybenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)oxy)phenol (Monomethoxyl-TTC-352)

Made from general procedure as TTC-352. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, Acetone d6) 6=7.62 (m, 2H), 7.52 (d, 8.9 Hz, 1H), 7.41 (d, 2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.25 (t, 8.9 Hz, 2H), 7.02 (dd, 9.0 Hz, 2.6, 3H), 6.83 (d, 9.0 Hz, 2H), 3.86 (s, 3H). ¹³C NMR (100 MHz acetone d6) δ (ppm) 161.95, 157.52, 154.09, 153.58, 151.34, 134.15, 131.34, 131.26, 130.71, 129.25, 122.60, 119.70, 118.79, 118.79, 116.00, 115.91, 115.46, 115.24, 114.20, 105.89, 55.04.

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1-11. (canceled)
 12. A compound of formula (II)

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein A₁ is selected from the group consisting of halogen, trifluoromethyl, and —OR₁; A₂ is selected from the group consisting of halogen, trifluoromethyl, and —OR₂; A₃ is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, heterocycle, and heteroaryl; A₄ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, cyano, trifluoromethyl, aryl-heteroaryl wherein the aryl is substituted or unsubstituted, and —OR₃; R₁, R₂ and R₃ are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, —SO₃R^(x1), —PO₃R^(y1)R^(z1), and —C(═O)R^(a); R^(x1), R^(y1) and R^(z1), at each occurrence, are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and a pharmaceutically acceptable cation; and R^(a) is alkyl or —OH.
 13. The compound of claim 12, selected from the group consisting of: (2-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)methanone; (3-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)methanone; cyclopropyl(2-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)methanone; cyclopropyl(3-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)methanone; (2-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)(pyridin-4-yl)methanone; (3-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)(pyridin-4-yl)methanone; 1-(2-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)-2-methylpropan-1-one; 1-(3-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)-2-methylpropan-1-one; (4-ethynylphenyl)(2-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)methanone; (4-ethynylphenyl)(3-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)methanone; (2-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)(p-tolyl)methanone; (3-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)(p-tolyl)methanone; (4-(1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)phenyl)(2-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)methanone; (4-(1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)phenyl)(3-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)methanone; (3r,5r,7r)-adamantan-1-yl(2-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)methanone; and (3r,5r,7r)-adamantan-1-yl(3-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)methanone; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 14. A method for treatment of an estrogen-related medical disorder, the method comprising administering to a subject in need of such treatment a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of at least one compound of formula (II) as claimed in claim 12, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the estrogen-related medical disorder is selected from the group consisting of: cancer, inflammation, osteoporosis, vaginal atrophy, central nervous system diseases, and cardiovascular system diseases.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the central nervous system disease is selected from the group consisting of Alzheimer's Disease and mild cognitive impairment.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the cardiovascular system disease is thrombosis.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the cancer is selected from the group consisting of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, and lung cancer.
 19. The method of claim 14, wherein the estrogen-related medical disorder is a breast cancer.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the breast cancer is a tamoxifen resistant breast cancer.
 21. The method of claim 19, wherein the breast cancer is a triple negative breast cancer.
 22. A method of identifying a cancer in a subject, the method comprising: (a) obtaining a test sample from the subject having cancer; and (b) determining an amount of protein kinase C alpha (PKCα) in the test sample; wherein if the amount of PKCα in the test sample is greater than an amount of PKCα in a test sample from a subject not having cancer, then the cancer is sensitive to at least one compound of formula (II) as claimed in claim 12, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. 